About

Jude Markey-Smith (he/him/él) graduated from Bard College in 2022 with a BA in Multidisciplinary Studies: Dramatic Arts and Histories. He combined study in dance, music, history, and writing, which culminated in him winning the Ana Itelman Prize for Choreography in 2022 for his thesis work: Impressions on the American Cowboy: End Of The Trail, Ghost Town, and Rough Men. He has since developed and produced works in the USA, Spain, and Brazil, as artist in residence at LaPlasita in 2023 (Seville, Spain) and Casa Na Ilha in 2024 (Ilhabela, Brazil), and as an apprentice at the New York Indeterminacy Festival in 2024 (Governors Island, NY). Recent works include a short dance-theater piece Límites (453”), about Markey-Smith’s fieldwork in rural Spain, and his first evening-length performance work, Paradise Wind, on distorted notions of biblical paradise, which premiered in January 2025 at Stone Circle Theater in Queens, NY. He has performed dance and music in diverse venues across NYC and Europe including Gibney Dance, Rompemoldes, Mercury Lounge, CasaLa Teatro, Jalopy Theater, St. Vitus, Stone Circle Theater, Westsider Books, and more.

Artist Statement

In his work, Jude strives to expose truths. He does so in a nonlinear fashion. This investigation can take on many forms, but often presents itself as a multifaceted presentation–– one that requires deep research and then comes alive in kinesthetic space. As a creator, he is interested in defying disciplinary categories in order to explore the unbounded field of performance, and its unparalleled potential for relevance. He creates through calculated preparation, an embrace of spontaneity, and sheer force of will. He collaborates deeply, learns from others, and responds accordingly. What emerges is always unknown, but meaningful and intriguing to him.