Our Mission
The Anthropologists is dedicated to the collaborative creation of investigative theatre that inspires action. Fusing research, expressive movement, and rigorous dramaturgy, we create dynamic plays rooted in social inquiry. We use theatre to engage with challenging questions, to re-contextualize the present
and reimagine our collective future.
OUR GUIDING QUESTIONS
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Can we use source material to challenge our own assumptions?
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Can we use research to broaden or break dominant narratives?
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Can we use archival materials to better understand our present?
HISTORY
Formed in 2008, past provocations have included: “why do Americans need so much stuff?” (EXCESS – a dance play inspired by The Cherry Orchard) and “who gets access to food?” (GIVE US BREAD, hailed by nytheatre.com as “a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking play mixing elements of dance and stylized movement to create a piece that is wholly within its own hybrid Anthropologists genre.”) Celebrating our 10th year, our work has been described as “eerie and weird in the best way” (Culturebot) and “incisive, even necessary work for the present moment.” (Culture Catch).

METHOD
We create original, ensemble-devised theatre using improvisation, composition and highly stylized movement inspired by found text, source material and artifacts (paintings, songs, poems, etc.) and guided by rigorous dramaturgy. ​We utilize a protracted development process marked by several opportunities for work-in-progress showings or performances. This allows us to fully develop our work and achieve artistic excellence while nurturing intimate community and audience relationships. Our movement-based training is inspired by Viewpoints, Biomechanics, Tectonic Theatre Company, Liz Lerman and Doug Varone along with other techniques and visionary teachers.
VALUES​
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Collaborative theatre-making that elevates play and curiosity.
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Storytelling through movement, dance, research and rigorous dramaturgy.
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An inclusive, horizontal structure that values the whole artist.
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Actively anti-racist theatre-making.
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Sustainable and eco-friendly design.
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Provocative questions about society, science, history and humanity.
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Promoting civic engagement and activism through theatre.
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