La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the world premiere of “Stand By— an allegory,” a multidisciplinary dance-theater production by Corningworks, as part of the 2026 La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival.
The production, scheduled for April 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. at The Downstairs theater, marks a collaboration between choreographer Beth Corning and renowned puppeteer Tom Lee. The work utilizes Kuruma Ningyo, a centuries-old Japanese style of cart puppetry, to offer a whimsical exploration of human mortality and the continuity of life.
“STAND BY” is the latest installment of Corning’s “The Glue Factory Projects,” an award-winning series specifically created for internationally and nationally renowned performers over the age of 40. The series is designed to showcase the sophistication and visceral power of seasoned artists, addressing complex themes such as aging, death, and politics through a blend of humor and serious inquiry.
The ensemble features a diverse cast of veteran performers, including Chezney Douglas, Evan Fisk, Kimani Fowlin, and Alberto Del Saz.
Tom Lee, a principal puppeteer in the Metropolitan Opera’s “Madama Butterfly” and a member of the original Broadway cast of “War Horse,” brings his expertise in manipulated figures to the production. Lee’s work frequently explores the synthesis of traditional puppetry with modern film and animation techniques.
Beth Corning, whose career spans nearly five decades, founded Corningworks in 2010 to provide a vehicle for “seasoned” creative artists. She has created more than 90 works globally and previously served as the Executive Artistic Director of Dance Alloy Theater.
The 21st season of the La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival, curated by Nicky Paraiso, features a five-week lineup of 12 productions. This year’s festival emphasizes intergenerational exchange and includes hybrid programming supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator.
Tickets for “Stand By — an allegory” are $30 for general admission and $25 for students and seniors. In keeping with La MaMa’s mission of accessibility, the first 10 tickets for each performance are available for $10. Click here to purchase tickets.
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