waiting / REX

Nationally acclaimed ISHIDA Dance Company is back. Pulitzer prize-winning dance critic Sarah L Kaufman described Ishida’s work as “deeply poignant” and “remarkable”. “The dancers weaved pure magic in the air, and you could almost hear jaws dropping as they moved…” wrote Brett Cullum, Broadway World. "waiting / REX" is a bold world premiere contemporary dance double bill by ISHIDA, bringing into visceral dialogue the works of Samuel Beckett and Sophocles. Reimagining "Waiting for Godot" and "Oedipus Tyrannus" through a striking physical lens, these classics become charged, embodied experiences. "waiting" suspends you in cycles of repetition, humor, and longing, while "REX" unfolds a haunting, surreal search for identity, power, and truth. Together, they form a minimalist, emotionally charged diptych—a rare and transformative encounter of lessons in blindness shaped through meticulous physicality. "Waiting / REX" will play Austin June 18-20, 2026 at The Dell Fine Arts Center at St. Andrew's. Tickets on sale now, 2026 at IshidaDance.org. World Premiere of waiting / REX June 18-20, 2026 | Thursday – Saturday at 8pm The Dell Fine Arts Center | 5901 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, TX 78735 Tickets: $25-$90/VIP* $120 | Tickets available at IshidaDance.org *VIP tickets include premium seating with access to a post-performance reception to meet the renowned dancers. About ISHIDA Dance Company ISHIDA Dance presents original ISHIDA poetic narratives as well as works by internationally renowned choreographers working with some of the most sought-after dancers from Texas and across the globe (Houston Ballet, Ballet BC, Nederlands Dans Theater, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Ballett Theater Basil, English National Ballet, Staatsoper Wien). Choreographers premiere new works as well as past works that have never been performed for Texas audiences. These unique works aim to invite empathy and introspection to lead to greater kindness towards oneself and the community.