Following this spring’s sold-out run of Afterwardsness, renowned director, choreographer, and dancer Bill T. Jones returns to Park Avenue Armory to present and perform in the world premiere of his massive new work, Deep Blue Sea, which revolves around the interplay of single and group identities. Jones, Janet Wong, and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company conceived this highly personal work in pursuit of the elusive “we” during these fractious times through a cast of 100 dancers/community members, and a deconstructed text from Martin Luther King Jr.‘s “I Have a Dream” and Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.

Conceived for the Wade Thompson Drill Hall, Deep Blue Sea magnifies the vast space through a visual environment by Elizabeth Diller of the architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Tony Award-nominated projection designer Peter Nigrini. Diller’s design utilizes dynamic projections, supported by theatrical lighting. This non-traditional relationship between video and theatrical lighting transforms the entire stage into a large scale, immersive screen. The production creative team also includes lighting designer Robert Wierzel and costume designer Liz Prince. An original vocal score by composer Nick Hallett and electronic soundscape by Hprizm aka High Priest, Rena Anakwe, and Holland Andrews echoes the words of King and Melville. In addition to choreographing and directing, for the first time in over 15 years, Jones himself performs.

Artist Talk: Deep Blue Sea
Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 6:00pm
Tickets: $15 (plus fees)

Watch the Artist Talk

Barrington Hinds, Elizabeth Diller, and Peter Nigrini discuss the creative process behind their collaboration with moderator Helga Davis.

Commissioned by Park Avenue Armory, Manchester International Festival
In Association with Holland Festival
Produced and Developed by Park Avenue Armory in Collaboration with New York Live Arts

Bill T. Jones, Creator & Director
Janet Wong, Associate Director
Choreography by Bill T. Jones, Janet Wong, and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
Visual Environment, Video Projection & Lighting Design Elizabeth Diller - DS+R and Peter Nigrini
Nick Hallett, Composer and Music Director
Hprizm, Rena Anakwe, and Holland Andrews, Electronic Score
Robert Wierzel, Lighting Design
Mark Grey, Sound Design
Liz Prince, Costume Design
Mark Hairston, Dramaturg

#PAADeepBlueSea

Deep Blue Sea is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the city council. The production is also supported in part by public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo © Maria Baranova

September 28–October 9, 2021

Monday–Thursday at 7:30pm
Friday–Saturday at 8:00pm
Sunday at 3:00pm
Tickets start at $40 (plus fees)

Wade Thompson Drill Hall

View the seating chart.

Deep Blue Sea is approximately 105 minutes with no intermission. This performance is recommended for ages 12 and up. Assistive Listening Devices will be available upon request.

ASL Interpretation
An ASL interpreter will be available for all performances. When purchasing a ticket, please select American Sign Language Zone to be seated in the designated viewing section. View a Message in ASL.

Health and Safety Protocols
All ticket-holders must be fully vaccinated. “Fully vaccinated” means that you received your final dose at least 14 days before your performance date. At check-in, ticket-holders will be required to show proof of full vaccination (the New York State Excelsior Pass or a hard copy or photo of your vaccination card) and a government-issued photo ID.

All patrons and staff are required to wear masks while inside the Armory.

To view additional COVID-19 Policies, please visit our FAQs page.

Access the Best Seats as a Member
Armory members receive access to the best seats in each price zone. Members must be logged in to access special member seating. To become a member, please add a membership to your cart or call (212) 616-3958.

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