Illuminations

Illuminations connects groundbreaking UC Berkeley scholarship to themes taken up by the world-class music, dance, and theater presented by Cal Performances. Illuminations programming, which includes performances, panel discussions, lecture demonstrations, Q&As, and more, sheds light on pressing topics with the power to transform our understanding of the world and shape the future. Each event  is meant to provide a unique lens through which to see and understand the season’s big idea; when taken collectively, the events should create a more holistic understanding of the theme and shed new light on its many implications, both in performance and in our daily lives. 

2023–24 Season
“Individual & Community”

Concepts of “individual” and “community” have been at the forefront of public discourse in recent years, with some models increasing polarization and radicalization within our society. This year’s Illuminations theme—”Individual & Community”—will empower us to explore the tensions that come into play while balancing the interests of the individual with the interest of the group.

Explore 2023–24 Season Illuminations events and programming.

Koret Foundation Logo
Lead support for Illuminations is provided by the Koret Foundation.
Illuminations 2022/23 Season: Human and Machine
2022–23 Season
“Human and Machine”
Illuminations 2022/23: Human and Machine
2021–22 Season
“Place and Displacement”
Illuminations 2021/22 Season: Place and Displacement
2020–21 Season
“Music and the Mind,” “Fact or Fiction”
Illuminations 2020/21: Music and the Mind and Fact or Fiction