Urtext

Urtext is a meditation on the primacy of violence, deception, and oppression within Western thought, presented as a work of vocal chamber music, dance, and theater. It uses three foundational utopian conceptions—from Plato’s Republic, Thomas More’s Utopia, and H. G. Wells’ A Modern Utopia—to examine the pristine image of an idealized society and uncover the troubling mechanisms that prop up the veneer.

Blending lyricism, humor, virtuosity, and musical and visual beauty, Urtext invites its audience to question basic assumptions about our shared history and the very nature of our pursuit of an ideal world.

This work is in development, and these are in-process performances with staging and production elements yet to be added. But you'll hear the full musical score and see much of the choreography.

Tickets are pay-what-you-wish (suggested: $25–$35 per seat), and all funds raised will go towards the full realization of this project.

Music and concept by Jonathan Howard Katz.
Choreography by Alison Cook-Beatty.
Performed by Madelaine Burnett, Sophie Delphis, Amber Evans, Sharon Harms, Ioanna Ioannides, Kirsten Jermé, Ella Mack, and Ava Trochiano.
Musical preparation by Ryan Cheung.

The music for Urtext was commissioned by the New York State Council on the Arts, sponsored by Alison Cook Beatty Dance. Commissioning support for the dance was provided by the O'Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation.

Additional support from Deborah and Charles Adelman; Patti Costello; Alicia Floyd; Sam Katz; Rob Krulak; Jolie Lin; Max Shterngel; Zaahira Wyne; Irving Zaroff.

Special thanks to Susan Beckerman.