Theatre of Yugen

The Theatre of Yugen is a San Francisco-based experimental ensemble that has been a significant presence in the performing arts community for over 35 years. Established in 1978 by Yuriko Doi, the Theatre of Yugen is dedicated to exploring the elusive aesthetic of yugen – a term that signifies a profound, mysterious sense of beauty in Japanese art. The ensemble is deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese noh drama and kyogen satire, which represent the world's oldest continuous style of theatre, with a history extending over 650 years. Theatre of Yugen's approach to performance is characterized by its innovative blend of traditional Japanese theatre with contemporary world theatre practices. The ensemble is known for creating original material as well as reimagining dramatic and literary classics. Over the years, Theatre of Yugen has engaged in extensive collaborations with a diverse range of organizations and artists across various artistic genres. Notable collaborations include those with foolsFURY, an acclaimed San Francisco/New York theatre company; Thingamajigs, a Bay Area group known for their use of found-instrument music; Shinichi Iova-Koga, founder of InkBoat, a San Francisco-based Japanese butoh dance company; and Miki Orihara, a former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Theatre of Yugen is unique in the United States for its exclusive commitment to the art forms of noh and kyogen. It serves as a vital cultural institution for both traditional and experimental Japanese theatre, fostering intercultural understanding through the evolution of live performance and artistic hybridity. The organization also maintains a robust training and apprenticeship program to preserve and pass on the discipline of theatrical arts. In addition to its artistic endeavors, Theatre of Yugen is actively involved in community engagement and educational outreach. The ensemble reaches a diverse audience, including the under-resourced, seniors, people of color, the LGBT community, and both local and international students. Theatre of Yugen's mission extends to promoting contemporary Japanese theatre, increasing public recognition and appreciation of the art form, and providing a community space for practitioners to exchange ideas. The ensemble encourages the participation of collaborators from various disciplines, fostering a broad range of styles within the theatrical community. Theatre of Yugen has been recognized for its contributions to the arts with numerous awards and accolades. Noteworthy achievements include a Commendation by the Ministry of Japanese Foreign Affairs, a 2009 Yerba Buena Center for the Arts commission for the theatre work "Dogsbody," a successful run at the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York with "Cordelia," and a 2011 Creative Work Fund Award and National Endowment for the Arts grant for the development and performance of "Emmett Till: a river." The ensemble is a member of several prestigious organizations, including Theatre Bay Area, Network of Ensemble Theatres, the SF Bay Area Ensemble Consortium, and the Association of Asian Performance. Annually, Theatre of Yugen's performances, workshops, and educational programs reach over 3,800 individuals, with an additional 2,000 artists and audience members engaged through its theatre NOHspace, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.