Antonio Irizarry

June 13-14 2025

3B Development Series

Tickets 

IN RESIDENCE: June 3 – 16, 2025

CETUS is part play, part metal show created by Antonio Irizarry

Ishmael joins the crew of a whaling vessel fitted with a diverse crew. Led by a charismatic and insane captain, the Pequod scours the globe to exact revenge on the whale that tore Ahab’s leg from his body. A band of live metal musicians and actors evoke the dark yet tender world of Melville’s novel. This version explores whiteness, indigeneity, queerness, masculine identity and the “chaotic bundling of our species into eternity” should our leaders continue to dominate the earth, its resources, its wildlife and its people.

CETUS uses the textures and sensations of metal and hardcore punk music subculture to explore Melville’s themes of alienation, depression, and mania, as well as love, community, compassion, and redemption. In Ishmael’s brooding lyrics there is wonder, introspection, and discovery. In Queequeg’s bloody harpoon there is the fury and rage of a shredding lead guitar. In Ahab’s cries the wrath of a broken frontman, Headbangers mosh like frenzied sharks. The drums crash and thunder with the tumultuous ocean.

These work in progress showings will present the first of three acts. It includes original music composed by Antonio Irizarry, set design by Reeves Morris-Stan, and associate production by Audrey Rosenblith.

Can we make sense of the overwhelming beauty and pain of the natural world and our roles in it?

PERFORMANCES:
Friday June 13th @ 7:30pm
Saturday June 14th @ 7:30pm
RUNNING TIME: 60 minutes
PRICE: $15-$35 sliding scale
At IRT: 154 Christopher st. NYC #3B (third floor)
ADA Accessible
VISIT/CONTACT US»

Produced and Directed by Antonio Irizarry
Technical Direction and Design by Reeves-Morris Stan
Associate Production by Audrey Rosenblith

Performed by
Gideon Berger
Tyree Williams
Levi Shrader
Antonio Irizarry
Ben Pakman
Kyle Milner
Eriq A. Robinson
Jack McFeely
Dario Vazquez

IRT Theater is a grassroots laboratory for independent theater and performance in New York City, providing space and support to a new generation of artists. Tucked away in the old Archive Building in Greenwich Village,  IRT’s mission is to build a community of emerging and established artists by creating a home for the development and presentation of new work.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York State Legislature; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council; A.R.T./New York’s NYC Small Theatres Fund made possible with support from the Howard Gilman Foundation & support for ASL interpretation provided in part through funding from Access A.R.T./New York.

ACCESS: IRT is a fully wheelchair-accessible facility. Please reach out to Kori Rushton if you have any accessibility questions or concerns, krushton@irttheater.org