Mark Russell

Mark Russell is a prominent figure in the downtown dance, performance, and theater world with over 35 years of experience.1 He is best known as the founder and director of the Under the Radar Festival, a cutting-edge theater festival that has become a centerpiece of the New York City theater season.13

Career Highlights

Performance Space 122:: From 1983 to 2004, Russell served as the Executive Artistic Director of Performance Space 122, transforming it from a low-tech artist rental space into a world-renowned presenting institution dedicated to developing the work of New York City artists.1

Under the Radar Festival:: In January 2005, Russell launched the Under the Radar Festival at St. Ann's Warehouse.1 The festival focuses on theater-based contemporary performance and has become known for mixing international performances with national and local artists.12

Public Theater:: In 2006, the Under the Radar Festival moved to the Public Theater, where it became an integral part of the theater's programming for 17 editions.14

Recent Developments

In June 2023, the Public Theater announced it could no longer produce the Under the Radar Festival due to financial reasons.1 However, the festival was quickly revived in collaboration with the NYC production company ArKtype.1 The 2024 iteration of the festival, still curated by Russell, ran from January 5 to January 21, presenting over 180 performances across 11 different theaters in Brooklyn and Manhattan.12

Impact and Legacy

Mark Russell has been instrumental in creating opportunities for many artists to grow and reach wider audiences throughout his career.1 His work with the Under the Radar Festival has established it as one of the most adventurous and significant festivals in the field, attracting theater and festival leaders from around the world.1

Russell continues to be involved in reimagining the Under the Radar Festival for a new generation, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to innovative and cutting-edge theater.13