fu-GEN ANNOUNCES NEW GENERATION
After seven years of artistic leadership, the board of directors of fu-GEN Asian-Canadian Theatre Company announces the departure of current Artistic Director Nina Lee Aquino and the appointment of incoming Interim Artistic Director David Yee.
Nina Lee Aquino has resided as Artistic Director of fu-GEN from their inception in 2002. A co-founder of the company, she has directed fu-GEN’s flagship productions (Banana Boys, Singkil, lady in the red dress) and served as lead dramaturge for the multitude of new plays fu-GEN has fostered over the years. Her commitment and passion for new play development have been instrumental in leading 6 year-long playwriting units for fu-GEN, culminating in the ever popular annual Potluck Festival, an event that has become synonymous with the company’s name. Under her artistic leadership, plays programmed at fu-GEN have garnered 9 Dora nominations, spawned multiple remounts and earned both critical and audience acclaim.
Although Nina is moving on to helm Cahoots Theatre Projects as their new Artistic Director, she will remain at fu-GEN to see through the 09/10 season and transition the company to the new Interim Artistic Director, David Yee.
David Yee is a playwright and actor, born and raised in Toronto. He was formerly the Special Projects Manager for STAF, providing administrative support for independent companies and artists;
everything from general management to international touring. He co-founded fu-GEN Theatre Company and was part of the executive team as Associate Artistic Director for 5 years, transitioning to become their playwright-in-residence in 2007. fu-GEN has produced three of David’s plays: filial (2003), paper series (2007) and most recently lady in the red dress. David has also worked extensively with the company as an actor, most notably as part of the Dora nominated cast of Banana Boys. He brings an extensive knowledge of the company’s operation and a vested interest in the community it serves.
Board President Sandra Lefrancois says "We are thrilled to have David on board. His longstanding commitment to fu-GEN makes him the ideal candidate to lead the company's continued growth and success. He will be inheriting a flourishing organization with a team of dedicated
professionals who look forward to many more years of continued artistic innovation under his leadership."
fu-GEN’s upcoming 09/10 season will feature our popular annual Fire Gala, the return of the Mega Potluck and the inaugural GENesis Asian-Canadian Theatre Conference; welcoming a host of theatre artists and academics from across the nation. Both Nina and David will be working very closely this season to ensure fu-GEN continues its tradition of excellence, while working towards a sustainable future.
