The Anthropologists

Our Mission

The Anthropologists is dedicated to the collaborative creation of investigative theatre that inspires action. Rooted in research and community engagement and shaped by physical theatre techniques, we're committed to exploring current social topics from an anthropological perspective in order to break down and unleash cultural discoveries.

Our Art
Our most recent production, axes, herbs and satchels, premiered in 2025 and toured to New Jersey, Florida, Indiana, and around NYC. This ensemble-driven play is a celebration of traditional knowledge held in the Black birth worker community, the history of doulas and midwives, and a potent examination of maternal mortality. Drawing on a rich trove of research materials, the play was built from first hand accounts, medical texts, ethnological research, and primary sources.

Formed in 2008, past provocations have included: “why do Americans need so much stuff?” (EXCESS – a dance play inspired by The Cherry Orchard) and “who gets access to food?” (GIVE US BREAD, hailed by nytheatre.com as “a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking play mixing elements of dance and stylized movement to create a piece that is wholly within its own hybrid Anthropologists genre.”) Celebrating our 15th year, our work has been described as “eerie and weird in the best way” (Culturebot) and “incisive, even necessary work for the present moment.” (Culture Catch).

Leadership
Current leadership includes:
Founding Producing Artistic Director, Melissa Moschitto
Anthropologist-in-Residence: Dr. Nadia Mbonde
Artistic Associate At Large: Mariah Freda