Indie rock star Mitski’s performance at Stage AE on Tuesday was a theatrical masterpiece.

Mitski’s stage design had a certain minimalism that was quite interesting: a single door she would utilize sparingly. Throughout the concert, the light effects were entrancing and Mitski put on a conceptually choreographed exhibition, using the door as a prop during some parts and expressively prancing around stage while singing. 

Seeing “I Don’t Smoke” live was a refreshing experience. She performed an alternate version with a synthesizer and percussion rather than just distorted guitar.

Disappointingly, she did not engage with the audience as much as she has at her other shows. She usually greets the city she’s in, but urging concert-goers to keep their masks on was the most she said.

The outlandish arpeggiated guitar melody of “Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart” was fun and impressive to watch, especially while seeing the guitarist play it with ease. 

“Nobody” and “Washing Machine Heart,” being such massive hits, were the songs that had everyone moving the most. “Washing Machine Heart” was such an electrifying performance. 

To conclude her hour-long set, she performed “A Pearl” and returned to the stage with “Two Slow Dancers,” the most moving song of her set. The atmosphere shifted and far fewer phones were out as everyone was soaking in the moment.

Sadly, because of COVID-19 concerns, her opener had canceled, which made the show’s end feel so quick. 

But Mitski put on an amazing performance, sounding almost identical to her studio-recorded songs without even using a backing track.