Theatre of Yugen

Founded in 1978, the San Francisco based Theatre of Yugen is the only company in the United States that creates original, experimental work through a collaborative process that is drawn from traditional Japanese theater forms, primarily the 700-year-old forms of Noh (tragedy) and Kyogen (comedy); the result are new works that integrate Japanese techniques with those of other cultures. In addition to presenting original work in the Bay Area, the company tours nationally and internationally and its 60 seat home venue (the NOH Space), is made available at low cost to other local arts organizations. During the past grant period two of the three organizational leaders left the company and the third worked with the board on a new strategic plan focused on addressing long term challenges posed by the lack of new ensemble members, new board members and new sources of revenue. With a final renewal this small budget organization will ramp up audience development, board recruitment and invest in training new ensemble members. (Tie-Off, $70,000/1; 40% of budget)