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 Lewis Center 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 English to Latin 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. Juniors Lota Alagbe and Peyton McLaughlin serves as dramaturgs.

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
November 6, 2026 - Pre-Show Talk: “Time and Meaning: Translating Contemporary Ideas into Ancient Forms”

In anticipation of the opening performance of Oratorio for Living Things by Heather Christian on Friday November 6, the Program in Theater and Music Theater offers a pre-show conversation between the translator on the project (English to Latin) Greg Taubman '06 and Peter Kelly, Assistant Professor of Classics. The conversation will be moderated by students Lota Alagbe '28 and Peyton McLaughlin '28.  The conversation will be held at 5 p.m . in the Berlind Rehearsal Room at McCarter Theatre Center and will include a Q&A with the audience. Supported by the Princeton Humanities Initiative.

November 8, 2026 - A Post-show audience talkback with the production’s director and cast in the Berlind Theatre immediately following the 2:00 PM performance.