NYU Steinhardt Presents US Premiere of Carl Orff’s “Astutuli”

New York University presents the US premiere of Carl Orff’s Astutuli, a comedic fable from the composer of Carmina Burana, on April 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. in NYU’s Iris Cantor Theatre, 38 W. Houston Street, in Greenwich Village.

The NYU production, about a con man who manipulates an entire town, updates the rarely performed Bavarian work with a modern English book written by NYU Steinhardt music student Jess Ong. Originally performed in Bavarian in 1953, this new production uses mime and movement to complement its rhythmic score.

The production consists of a 14-member percussion ensemble from Steinhardt, as well as actors from Steinhardt and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. It is directed by Clinical Professor of Educational Theatre Nancy Smithner and conducted by Music Professor of Percussion Studies and Director of the Percussion Studies Program Jonathan Haas, with scene and costume design by contemporary artist Doug Frohman.

The American premiere showcases NYU’s long-standing tradition of artistic innovation and commitment to reimagining canonical works for modern audiences.

“The audience will experience vibrant storytelling in a mode that is unusual as the dynamic percussion ensemble feeds and inspires the actors' expressiveness on stage,” said Smithner. “We have contemporized the costumes and setting from the original production to make a colorful and compelling new work.”

Set to a score for percussion instruments, including a lithophone, an ancient instrument made of tuned stones, Astutuli tells the story of a town taken in by a con-man who convinces them that he has a garment so beautiful that it is invisible to the dumb or unworthy. Concerned they might be considered ignorant, the townspeople pretend to see it.

Describing it as “a conspiracy in action,” Smithner said the work presents a challenge to a large ensemble cast, thanks to a score that is partially sung and partially spoken.

“Their spoken word dialogue must be in sync, and their acting must be closely attuned. They must read music, act, and at the same time, pay attention to the conductor, Jonathan Haas,” she said. “We are working extensively with mime and physical theatre in conjunction with the spoken word dialogue, which has a cadenced, rhythmic flow and a musical and harmonious quality.” 

This modern update is a rare opportunity to witness this unusual work. Astutuli has never been performed in the United States, although there is a video of a 2007 Bavarian production.