MODERN GOD

Choreographed by Jeremy Beck for Footnote New Zealand Dance in collaboration with RDYSTDY and Benny Jennings / Hominid - MODERN GOD is a high-powered fusion of contemporary dance and physical theatre that delves into the intricate web of global internet culture. The performance explores our interactions with the virtual world, highlighting its absurdities, speed, utility, and potential dangers. Through a series of dynamic vignettes and live-streamed projections, the work examines the rise of online influencers and the evolving nature of digital worship. Described as a "breathtaking tour de force of artistry," MODERN GOD offers a compelling commentary on the complexities of our digital age.

In 2025 MODERN GOD premiered out to sold out theatres in Wellington and successfully completed a 16 show Aotearoa tour across Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Oamaru.

“MODERN GOD speaks of a new religion. A new age of worship. Where the influencer has become the modern-day prophet, preaching lifestyles of aspiration, consumption, and curated perfection, while social media platforms serve as the sanctuaries where we worship. The scroll becomes a prayer, the ‘like’ a blessing, and the algorithm an omnipotent force that dictates who rises and who is cast aside. The worship of the screen.”

- Jeremy Beck

REVIEWS

“Modern God - a breathtaking tour de force of artistry”

“It takes a smart cookie to turn dense concepts into a compelling and entertaining dance work. Creator Jeremy Beck us up to the task, he emerges as a potent and gifted choreographic voice. Modern God stuns and enthrals the viewer on so many levels – like the intricate web of content that emanates from the internet – it is a formidable and highly skilled dance/theatre work. One that warrants multiple views.“

Lyne Pringle / The Post 2025

From loose-limbed dance to free-style dialogue, this show is undiluted enjoyment.

Jenny Stevenson / Theatreview 2025

“Amazingly perceptive, thought-provoking, clever analysis, interpretation and questioning”

“A thoroughly engrossing, energetic, visually and aurally exciting, and absorbing performance that has left me feeling disturbed but also exhilarated.”

Dr Debbie Bright / Theatreview 2025

Dancing on trikes might just be my new favourite performance medium. It is so silly and simple. Genius.

Chloe Jaques / Theatreview 2025

“Triumphant . . . fascinating, witty ... challenging exploration”

“Beck, in collaboration with the wider creative team and aided by brilliant contributions from Footnote’s dancers, has triumphantly overcome the challenge he set himself. Modern God is a fascinating, witty and at times challenging exploration of a pervasive dimension of modern life that deserves to be subjected to critical examination.”

Dr Ian Lochhead / Theatreview 2025