The fall semester at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) features contemporary dance, as well as jazz and various film showcases.
As of June 1, 2022, NBPAC no longer requires proof of vaccination to attend a performance at NBPAC. Face masks are still required to be worn at all times while at NBPAC. Masks may be removed briefly to eat or drink any concession items, but must promptly be put back in place, fully covering your mouth and nose.
For more information, visit https://nbpac.org/covid-health-safety/.
MASON GROSS DANCE PRESENTS KINETIC LIGHT
Friday, September 30, 7:30 p.m. (accessible performance)
Saturday, October 1, 3 p.m. (accessible performance)
Kinetic Light is an internationally recognized disability arts ensemble. Working in the disciplines of art, technology, design, and dance, Kinetic Light creates, performs, and teaches at the nexus of access, queerness, disability, dance, and race. The Kinetic Light artists and creators of DESCENT are disabled dance artists Alice Sheppard and Laurel Lawson, and disabled scenographer Michael Maag. Kinetic Light’s work speaks to and emerges from disability aesthetics and disability culture. Performed on a custom-designed architectural ramp installation with hills, curves, and peaks, DESCENT explores the pleasures of wheeled movement and reckless abandon, inspired by the sensual writings and art of French sculptor Auguste Rodin to give the mythological characters of Venus and Andromeda new life as interracial lovers.
Please note: At the artists’ request, masks are mandated for all Kinetic Light audience members, regardless of current State of New Jersey, Rutgers University, or NBPAC policies. This performance is accessible and is appropriate for high school age and up. Access: this performance will include accessible seating, ASL interpretation, haptic soundtrack interpretation, sensory kits, quiet space, and audio description via the Kinetic Light app Audimance. Audience members are welcome to exit and enter the theater during the show.
Tickets: Public $25 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $20 // Students $15. By request of the artist, all order fees have been waived for this event only. Purchase tickets for this event in a separate order from other events to assure order fees are waived. Up to two (2) free tickets per person are available for the disability community and/or those experiencing financial barriers. Contact Natalie Schultz-Kahwaty at ns1199@mgsa.rutgers.edu with access questions or to request free tickets and optional seat reservations.
VISITING FILMMAKER SERIES SCREENING AND Q&A
Tuesday, October 25, 7 p.m.
Screening of 2021 Oscar-nominated crime drama Judas and the Black Messiah featuring a Q&A with director Shaka King.
Free, tickets required
RUTGERS JAZZ LAB BAND – MOSAIC: THE MUSIC OF ART BLAKEY’S JAZZ MESSENGERS
Wednesday, October 26, 7:30 p.m.
A celebration of compositions by former Jazz Messengers Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Donald Brown, Steve Davis, and others. Directed by Anthony Branker.
Tickets: Public $15 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $10 // Students $5
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE: ANNUAL “PROF” FIELDER MEMORIAL CONCERT
Friday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.
Honoring the legacy of Professor William Fielder, trumpet master and legendary educator, and featuring alumnus Orrin Evans, 2018 International DownBeat Critics Poll “Rising Star” winner and the newest member of the Mason Gross jazz faculty. Directed by Conrad Herwig.
Tickets: Public $15 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $10 // Students $5
FALL DANCE PLUS 2022
November 10–12, 7:30 p.m.
November 12, 2 p.m.
Featuring choreographic works by guest artists André Zachery, a Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist of Haitian and African American descent and artistic director of Renegade Performance Group; Kun-Yang Lin, executive artistic director and founder of CHI MAC, whose contemporary work is nourished by Buddhist and Taoist worldviews and the internal energetic flows of Eastern arts practices, including tai chi, martial arts, chi gong, calligraphy, meditation and Chinese opera movement; and Michelle Manzanales, a Latinx choreographer and dance educator, co-founder of the Latinx Dance Educators Alliance, and director of Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance. The concert also features choreographic works by faculty members Alfdaniels Mabingo, Evelyn Wang, and John Evans.
Tickets: Public $25 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $20 // Students $15
VISITING FILMMAKER SERIES SCREENING AND Q&A
Thursday, November 17, 7 p.m.
Screening of 2022 documentary Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down, followed by a Q&A between the filmmaker and faculty Thomas Lennon.
Free, tickets required
RUTGERS JAZZ LAB BAND: THREE OF FOUR SHADES OF THE BLUES
Wednesday, November 30, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating the sound, sensibility, and influence of the Blues and spotlighting the compositions of Thad Jones, Benny Carter, Frank Foster, Charles Mingus, Lyle Mays, and others. Directed by Anthony Branker.
Tickets: Public $15 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $10 // Students $5
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Friday, December 2, 7:30 p.m.
A concert honoring the legacy of the all-time great jazz bassists Charles Mingus, Oscar Pettiford, and Paul Chambers, featuring bassist Kenny Davis. Directed by Conrad Herwig.
Tickets: Public $15 // Rutgers Alumni/Employees & Seniors $10 // Students $5
BFA FILMMAKING SHOWCASES
Wednesday, December 14, 7 p.m. – Sophomore-class films
Thursday, December 15, 6 p.m. – Junior-class films
A screening of documentary, fiction, and experimental work by up-and-coming student filmmakers from the sophomore and junior classes.
Free, tickets required.
Tickets will be available online through the Mason Gross website, in person during MGPAC daytime ticket office hours, and at the performance at the NBPAC box office at 11 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ.