The Evolving Ecosystem of Experimental Performance: How Under the Radar Festival is Pioneering a New Model for the Arts
The future of live performance isn’t about bigger stages or flashier effects; it’s about adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. This is the core principle driving the 21st edition of New York City’s Under the Radar (UTR) festival, announced for January 7-25, 2026, and it represents a significant shift in how arts organizations are navigating an increasingly complex cultural landscape.
A Rotating Leadership Model: Cultivating “Ever-Evolving” Programming
For over two decades, UTR has been a crucial incubator for experimental theatre, showcasing “the global downtown” to New York audiences. But the festival isn’t resting on its laurels. The 2026 edition marks the first programmed under a new rotating leadership model, with co-creative directors Meropi Peponides and Kaneza Schaal joining founder Mark Russell. This isn’t simply a change in personnel; it’s a deliberate strategy to ensure the festival remains dynamic and responsive to the ever-shifting currents of artistic innovation.
This model addresses a critical challenge facing many arts organizations: avoiding stagnation. By regularly introducing fresh perspectives, UTR is actively preventing the development of an institutional “groupthink” and fostering a more inclusive and representative programming process. It’s a move that other festivals and performing arts centers should seriously consider as they strive to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Beyond the Stage: Community, Collaboration, and the “Tending of Ecosystems”
The announced highlights – including Dream Feed by the HawtPlates, DARKMATTER by Cherish Menzo and Camilo Mejía Cortés, and DATA ROOM hosted by Kaneza Schaal – showcase a commitment to diverse voices and unconventional forms. But UTR’s impact extends far beyond the performances themselves. The festival will once again host an industry symposium, providing a vital platform for professionals to address the challenges facing the creative sector. This focus on dialogue and networking is essential for building a more sustainable and equitable arts ecosystem.
As co-creative director Kaneza Schaal eloquently puts it, this new phase of UTR is about “tending of ecosystems” – nurturing the relationships and creative genealogies that underpin innovative artistic practice. This collaborative spirit is further evidenced by the festival’s partnerships with over 20 New York City cultural organizations, including La MaMa and Lincoln Center. This citywide approach not only expands the festival’s reach but also strengthens the bonds within the local arts community.
Embracing Ambiguity: The Power of Divergent Reactions
Perhaps the most striking aspect of UTR’s approach is its willingness to embrace ambiguity and challenge audience expectations. Co-creative director Meropi Peponides emphasizes the importance of creating space for divergent reactions, acknowledging that a single performance can evoke wildly different responses. This is a radical departure from the increasingly homogenized media landscape, where algorithms often prioritize content designed to elicit predictable emotional responses.
This embrace of complexity is particularly relevant in today’s polarized society. By presenting work that resists easy categorization, UTR encourages audiences to engage in critical thinking and to confront their own biases. It’s a powerful reminder that art at its best doesn’t offer answers; it provokes questions.
The Rise of Hybrid Performance and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The featured performances themselves reflect a growing trend towards hybridity and interdisciplinary collaboration. Productions like Dream Feed, developed through the HERE Arts Residency Program, demonstrate the power of cross-pollination between different artistic disciplines. This blurring of boundaries is a hallmark of contemporary experimental performance, and UTR is at the forefront of showcasing this exciting evolution. A recent report by the National Endowment for the Arts highlights the growing economic impact of these interdisciplinary creative fields, further solidifying their importance.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Resilience and Innovation
The Under the Radar Festival’s commitment to experimentation, collaboration, and adaptability positions it as a vital force in the future of live performance. Its rotating leadership model, citywide partnerships, and embrace of ambiguity offer valuable lessons for arts organizations seeking to navigate an uncertain future. The festival isn’t just presenting innovative work; it’s pioneering a new model for artistic sustainability and community engagement. What will be the next evolution in this dynamic landscape? The 2026 edition of Under the Radar promises to offer a compelling glimpse into the possibilities.
Explore more insights on experimental theatre and the future of the arts in our Performing Arts section.
