Features Overview

Candide, or Optimism

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Returning to its theatrical roots while branching out to reach new heights, Theatre of Yugen celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a modern Kyogen-style adaptation of Voltaire’s Candide, or Optimism (which is celebrating its 250th anniversary). Stylized gesture, social critique, and an endearing archness are trademarks of Kyogen. Classic Japanese comic tradition sheds a “kinder, gentler” light on Voltaire’s classic European satire.

In Candide, a bright young man grows up in a castle under the tutelage of the ever-optimistic Dr. Pangloss, but soon circumstances drive the hero out into a hostile, frightening world. Can his innocent faith survive? In a world in which aristocracy is beyond reproach and religious zealotry rampant, is a reasonable life beyond reach? Jubilith Moore’s inventive adaptation poses these questions, fluctuating between humor and pathos, drawing its audience into a space where love and laughter, suffering and death are all equally mysteries to be lived.

Candide, or Optimism is made possible by funding from the Mitchell Kapor Foundation, San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund/Grants for the Arts, Theatre Communications Group, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Zellerbach Family Foundation

World Premiere Produced and Presented by: Theatre of Yugen

Adapted and directed by: Jubilith Moore with Theatre of Yugen and Intangible Cultural Asset Master Kyogen performer Yukio Ishida

Set: Josh McDermott

Lights: Kedar Lawrence

Costumes: Risa Lenore Dye

Technical Directer: Kedar Lawrence

Premiere April 30 - May 23, 2008 | NOHSpace| San Francisco