Featuring new works from Chica Barbosa; Brenda Barrios; Alfonso Abraham Cervera and Irvin Manuel Gonzalez; Friidom; Scottie Harvey; Tarren Johnson; Jeonghyeon Joo; Cody Perkins / Algorythm.Code; SUUVI
The Roy and Edna Disney CalARTS Theater (REDCAT) presents the 23rd annual New Original Works (NOW) festival, a celebration of innovative new work by Los Angeles artists. REDCAT’s NOW festival has served as a catalyst for experimentation and new work in dance, theater, music, and performance since its inaugural edition in 2004. NOW has presented the work of over 200 artists who continue to be seen on stages throughout the US and abroad.
NOW 2026 features nine new works in dance, theater, music, and performance presented over three weeks from November 5–21. Cody Perkins / Algorythm.Code delves into the relationship between machines and humans in a dance and music piece. A duet by Alfonso Abraham Cervera and Irvin Manuel Gonzalez explores both transborder crossings and queer belonging. Scottie Harvey’s comedic satire about life online probes the absurdity and possibility of safety and connection. Jeonghyeon Joo performs a solo work for haegeum set in a Korean sauna. Brenda Barrios brings life-sized dolls and a motorized truck onstage, drawing inspiration from her experience as a first-generation Mexican American. SUUVI’s new work for cello and electronics covers the theater with audio and motion-reactive visuals. Chica Barbosa revisits the myth of Marilyn Monroe, reflecting the history and current climate of Los Angeles. Tarren Johnson’s dance theater piece reflects on the physical and economic tensions of the city. In a deep dive into the ethos of street dance, Friidom celebrates the tethers of community in these dance traditions.
Each of the three weeks of NOW features three artists in a shared evening on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, with livestreamed performances on Saturdays. All artistic teams are provided rehearsal space, production residency, technical support, artist fees, and professional development.
NOW Festival artists are selected through an open call for applications. NOW Festival 2026 submissions were reviewed by Dimitri Chamblas, Jessica Emmanuel, and Jasmine Orpilla as part of a rigorous, multi-tiered process. NOW Festival 2026 is curated by Katy Dammers, Deputy Director and Chief Curator.
