ICA Theatre

The ICA is committed to commissioning and producing performance works, supporting artists through substantial residency periods in which new works are developed. Regular programmes focus on more ephemeral live presentations of performance, spoken word or music, placing experimental practices within wider critical context.

‘Live’ at the ICA encompasses approaches to performance that are in some instances grounded in specific disciplinary enquiries, and in others traverse contemporary classifications. Working solo and with collaborators, musicians, performance artists, playwrights, poets and choreographers present and often develop their work throughout the entire ICA, from its theatre to the galleries and cinemas.

Throughout its history, the ICA has presented now legendary concerts by The Clash (1976), Throbbing Gristle (1976), The Smiths (1983), David Bowie (1988), as well as The Stone Roses (1989) and The Beastie Boys (2004), in addition to numerous groundbreaking exhibitions, keynote lectures by many of the world’s leading thinkers, and introducing independent film to a local and global audience through the ICA Cinema.