Gateway Theatre artistic director Jovanni Sy has announced he'll be stepping down effective February 16, 2019

Sy, who has brought edgy, urban-minded, culture-crossing work to the Richmond stage since taking the helm in 2012, said in a statement today he wants to pursue new artistic challenges and cultural leadership opportunities. Sy's new play Nine Dragons, which just closed at the Gateway, has been receiving critical praise here and in Calgary and Winnipeg. His one-man show A Taste of Empire will see its Cantonese premiere in Toronto in May.

Among his innovations at Gateway have been the Chinese-language Pacific Festival launched in 2014; and programming like Athol Fugard's Valley Song, Itai Erdal's  How to Disappear Completely, 2016's Chinatown-set King of the Yees by young San Francisco playwright Lauren Yee (and featuring the multitalented Sy in a role), and, most recently, the programming of this season's diverse-cast Salt-Water Moon.

“It was tough decision to make – to leave a place I care about so deeply,” Sy said in a statement today. “Yet I know the time has come for me to move on. When I look back at what Gateway has accomplished over the past six years, I’m filled with pride. We produced many memorable plays – shows that delighted and engaged audiences and that went on to garner awards and critical acclaim. I know that whoever follows me will continue to make Gateway a relevant creative hub for Richmond – a place where all voices are heard and where our community comes together for the love of art.”

“Jovanni has been a visionary leader for Gateway, bringing the wider community together and inviting more people to experience professional live theatre. The Board and I are extremely grateful for what he has accomplished,” board chair John Watson said in a statement today. “We need only look at the diverse audiences attending our current production to see evidence of his achievement. Gateway’s invitation to reprise King of the Yees at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre last fall also speaks volumes to the success of his programming.”

Gateway Theatre’s board will announce plans for a recruitment process in the coming months.