On the precipice of its 60th anniversary, and with a newly established endowment to support the commissioning, collection, archiving, and expansion of performance programs within the Edlis Neeson Theater and throughout the museum’s galleries, the MCA is reaffirming its commitment to live performance as an important part of its institutional identity.
The 2026 On Stage series presents a collection of works that present opportunities to examine the elements of live performance itself. The four artists in this series express urgency by creating intimacy with audiences, either by addressing audiences directly, drawing them in as co-participants in collective experiences or rituals, or bringing them into close physical proximity: Alex Tatarsky, Nacera Belaza, Leslie Cuyjet, and Kimberly Bartosik.
In a political moment of continued division, audiences are invited to embrace opportunities to come close to live performance, get intimate, and break down the boundaries of separation across difference.
This season of On Stage is organized by Director of Performance and Public Programs, Moira Brennan, and Assistant Curator of Performance and Public Programs, Laura Paige Kyber.
Schedule
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January 15, 2026
Alex Tatarsky, Sad Boys in Harpy Land
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January 16, 2026
Alex Tatarsky, Sad Boys in Harpy Land
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January 17, 2026
Alex Tatarsky, Sad Boys in Harpy Land
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February 27, 2026
Nacera Belaza, La Nuée
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February 28, 2026
Nacera Belaza, La Nuée
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March 1, 2026
Nacera Belaza, La Nuée
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April 23, 2026
Leslie Cuyjet, For All Your Life
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April 24, 2026
Leslie Cuyjet, For All Your Life
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April 25, 2026
Leslie Cuyjet, For All Your Life
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May 15, 2026
Kimberly Bartosik/daela, bLUr
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May 16, 2026
Kimberly Bartosik/daela, bLUr
Funding
Lead support for the 2025–26 season of MCA Performance is provided by Elizabeth A. Liebman.
Generous support is provided by Anne L. Kaplan; and Carol Prins and John Hart/The Jessica Fund.
The MCA is a proud member of the Museums in the Park and receives major support from the Chicago Park District.