Documenting a Performing Arts History

On the occasion of Linda G. Mills's inauguration as the 17th President of NYU

The Arts Center - Building a performing arts community on Saadiyat Island (Akkadia Press, 2021) marks the growth and development of The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi across its first seven years, as it heads to becoming a cornerstone for the arts in Abu Dhabi. The book depicts our definition-defying highlights in music, theater, dance, film, poetry, family programs, and interdisciplinary performances and tracks our journey to become a beacon on the international arts landscape, firmly rooted in Abu Dhabi but with a global reach. It includes a series of essays, anecdotes, and quotes from a variety of prominent members of our community, including Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, and Vice Chancellor at NYU Abu Dhabi Mariët Westermann, each sharing stories of how The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi has impacted the local arts scene.

A reception (from 5:30-6pm) will precede the formal program, which will begin promptly at 6pm with a short performance:

The Gauntlet: Faraway Together (Reduction)
Composed by Sxip Shirey
Libretto by Coco Karol and Sxip Shirey based on movement interviews conducted by Karol
Vocalists: Priya Darshini, Raquel Klein, Anaïs Maviel, Nathan Repatz, and Lacy Rose

Welcoming Remarks
Linda G. Mills, President, NYU

Panel Members

• Linsey Bostwick, Director, NYU Production Lab; Former Director of Artistic Planning, The Arts Center at NYUAD
• Bryan Waterman, Associate Professor of English, NYU; Former Program Head for Literature and Creative Writing and former Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Development, NYUAD
• Alia ElKattan, NYUAD ‘20, The Arts Center at NYUAD
• Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director, The Arts Center at NYUAD

Performers

• Nathan Repatz
• Raquel Klein
• Priya Darshini
• Lacy Rose
• Anaïs Maviel

In Collaboration with