Please note: This performance will take place on the Presser Foundation Stage in the TD Pavilion as part of our new series, Downstage @ the Mann, where both audience and artist are on stage together in an up-close, under cover, and open-air setting. This will be a general admission, seated event. Originally scheduled for 2020, Deep Blue Sea will now be presented on April 29 and 30, 2022.

Deep Blue Sea will be an immersive arts experience that explores the relationships between the individual and the larger community, as well as performer and audience. Directed and choreographed by Tony-Award winning Bill T. Jones, Deep Blue Sea unfolds in three sections: a solo by Jones deconstructing text from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s landmark “I Have a Dream” speech, which evolves over time into the 10-member Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, that further expands into an expansive collaboration with local Philadelphia participants. 

Deep Blue Sea's visual environment was designed by Elizabeth Diller of the architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Tony Award-nominated projection designer Peter Nigrini. Diller’s design utilizes dynamic projections, supported by theatrical lighting. This non-traditional relationship between video and theatrical lighting transforms the entire stage into a large scale, immersive screen. The production creative team also includes lighting designer Robert Wierzel and costume designer Liz Prince. An original vocal score by composer Nick Hallett and electronic soundscape by Hprizm aka High Priest, Rena Anakwe, and Holland Andrews echoes the words of King and Melville.

A key component of this work is the exploration of community, driven by the concept of self-identity within the elusive group. Deep Blue Sea will be created around a diverse group of 60 community members, who will work with the company over a six-month period through a series of residencies. The Company will work with community participants through layers of dialogue, movement exploration, and community building, resulting in a truly Philadelphia-centric performance that reflects the diversity of the communities present. 

Creator & Director Bill T. Jones
Associate Director Janet Wong
Choreography Bill T. Jones, Janet Wong and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
Visual Environment, Video Projection, and Lighting Design Elizabeth Diller (DS+R) and Peter Nigrini
Lighting Design Robert Wierzel
Composer & Music Director Nick Hallett
Electronic Score Hprizm, Rena Anakwe, and Holland Andrews
Costume Design Liz Prince
Dramaturg Mark Hairston
Co-Musical Director Stacy Penson
Community Choir Director Dr. Jay Fluellen
Produced and Developed by New York Live Arts
Originating commissioner of the Philadelphia performances of Deep Blue Sea The Mann Center or the Performing Arts

Major support for Deep Blue Sea has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Major support has also been provided by the William Penn Foundation.

Additional support made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Downstage @ the Mann is made possible by The Presser Foundation.

^{Deep Blue Sea was commissioned by Park Avenue Armory and Manchester International Festival in Association with the Holland Festival. Additional commissioning support provided by: The Mann Center for the Performing Arts with original support provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.}

Digital Program

We're going paperless! For a copy of the season's touchless and environmentally-friendly program, text PROGRAM to (215) 544-2803. Instructions here.

Bag Policy

The Mann's bag policy is for the safety of our patrons, to minimize our staff having to touch patron personal belongings during the required search of all bags before entering the venue. Bags must be an individual CLEAR plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12"x6"x12" with a single compartment and/or a small NON-CLEAR clutch bag (4.5"x6.5"). Backpacks are not allowed. Patrons who arrive with a bag other than what is permitted may purchase a clear plastic tote for $10 at the gates.

Safety Precautions

Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after final dose) OR a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event will be required for entry.

In the best interest of fans and staff, we will continue to monitor local COVID-19 trends and meet or exceed protocols mandated by local governments. By purchasing tickets to this event, unless prohibited by law, you agree to abide by the health and safety measures in effect at the time of the event, which may include, but not be limited to, wearing masks, providing proof of vaccination status and/or providing proof of negative COVID-19 test. Check back often for updates to your event venue website as guidelines are subject to change.

The Mann is proud to be a part of the World Travel & Tourism Council's Safe Travels Program and the PHL Health Pledge. These seals signal our commitment to safely welcoming patrons back to the venue.