Oratorio for Living Things

Infusing a classical oratorio with blues, gospel, jazz and soul, this musical and visual journey investigates human experiences of time and memory alongside powerful physical forces that shape the universe. Our exploration emphasizes the significance of the ritual of gathering for live performance in an increasingly screen-focused world.

Featuring the students of the LCA as the cast and crew, this production is the first non-professional performance of this important new work which premiered in 2022 in New York City to great critical acclaim.

Directed by visiting Iranian artist and director Nikoo Mamdoohi, with Latin to English translations by Greg Taubman, Princeton Class of 2006, the professional team includes music direction by Emma Sway, music supervision by Solon Snider Sway, set design by Afsoon Pajoufar, lighting design by Kelley Shih, sound design by Kay Richardson, costume design by Keating Debelak, choreography by Sariel Golomb, and stage management by Milan Eldridge, Princeton Class of 2020. Junior Peyton McLaughlin serves as dramaturg.

This project is cosponsored by the Princeton Humanities Initiative. Princeton Humanities Initiative.

Accessibility
Berlind Theatre is an accessible venue with wheelchair and companion seating available. The show on November 8 at 2 p.m. is a Relaxed Performance. An assistive listening system is available and headphones can be requested from ushers. Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations, including Berlind Theatre. Attendees in need of other access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.

Additional Programming
A pre-show talk and post-show talkback are being planned - details coming soon.