Agency Details:

Theatre of Yugen is an experimental ensemble dedicated to the pursuit of the intangible essence of yugen. With our foundation in Japanese Noh drama and Kyogen comedy, we create works of world theater by crafting original material and exploring dramatic and literary classics. By presenting and collaborating we continue the evolution of live performance and foster intercultural understanding. And by training and educating we keep the legacy of theatrical discipline vital. Yu: deep, quiet, other-worldly gen: subtle, profound, dark.

Description:
Theatre of Yugen's artistic programming includes the presentation of large-scale work as well as smaller experimental pieces at the Noh Space, our home theater located in Project Artaud in San Francisco; a touring repertoire of classic Kyogen comedies; national touring of large-scale works; ongoing training and education programs for K-12, university students, and adults; and Yugen Presents, our presenting series, showcasing experimental and Asian-based artists. Our work also includes facilitating the rental of the Noh Space, with a focus on hosting/subsidizing the Asian performing arts groups of the Bay Area.

History:
Founded by Yuriko Doi in 1978, Theatre of Yugen's Noh, Kyogen, and fusion pieces have played to great acclaim in San Francisco and on national and international tours for more than two decades. Our work has been seen throughout California, on two West Coast tours sponsored by the Consul General of Japan, and in Arizona, the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, Canada, and Japan. Particularly acclaimed projects in our 24-year performance history include: a Kyogen version of Waiting for Godot; Noh versions of Antigone, Medea, and Yeats' Purgatory; Kokoro/True Heart a contemporary play by Velina Hasu Houston (which won a Bay Area Critic's Circle Award for Best Direction); a repeated holiday favorite ? our Noh Christmas Carol with a Kabuki-influenced Ebezo Sukurooji; Blood Wine, Blood Wedding, Carol Sorgenfrei's fusion blend of Kabuki and Flamenco; and Erik Ehn's Noh/Native American Crazy Horse.
In 2001 the company transitioned to a collective leadership by long time members Jubilith Moore, Lluis Valls, and Libby Zilber. Highlights since then include At the Hawk's Well National Tour 2002 in collaboration with Theatre Nohgaku; an ensemble-created new work The Clay Play and a new annual offering of Kyogen comedies entitled SORYA! This May we premiered another collectively-created work about San Francisco's favorite historical figure: Norton I, (Being the Most Noble Tale of the Fall and Rise of Joshua Abraham Norton, First Emperor of the United States of America and Protector of All Mexico). Our 25th Anniversary Season 2003-04 featured the premiere of Erik Ehn's Noh-distilled Frankenstein and the presentation of Master Kyogen performers - Mansaku-no-kai from Japan. In addition to our own artistic work, we have presented visiting master Noh performers in the Bay Area many times, working in collaboration with Cal Performances, the Asian Art Museum, the Consul General of Japan, and Japan Society of Northern CA.

Contact person: Lisa Wentz, General Manager, (phone), (email)

Address:

2840 Mariposa Street San Francisco, CA 94110 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.theatreofyugen.org

Directions:

Theatre of Yugen at Noh Space is Located at 2840 Mariposa Street in Project Artaud. Mariposa Street is located between 17th St. & 18th St/ & Florida St. & Alabama St. Florida & Alabama streets are located between Bryant St and Harriosn St.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 16th Street - BART,   Walk distance (in minutes): 15 Minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: #22 MUNI, 5 Minutes minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	French, German, Japanese, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No

Last updated on October 27, 2009