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Gateway Theatre’s artistic director to step down

Jovanni Sy describes theatre as a place where everyone comes together for a love of art
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In a twist on Shakespeare’s, “All the world’s a stage,” Jovanni Sy’s motto seems to be, “All the world’s on Gateway’s stage.” As artistic director of Gateway Theatre since May 2012, Sy has made remarkable strides in stretching the ethnic diversity of Richmond’s long-standing cultural hub. Sy was born in Manila and raised in Toronto where he worked as an actor, playwright and director for 20 years. In 2010, he was the playwright-in-residence at the Shaw Festival where he worked on The Birth of the American Empire. He makes regular appearances on two CBC series — Riverdale and Side Effects. This October, he will perform in the Canadian premiere of King of the Yees, which opens Gateway Theatre’s 2016-2017 season.

After nearly seven years in the role of artistic director, Gateway Theatre’s Jovanni Sy will be stepping down next year.

The Richmond-based theatre announced the leadership change on Monday, which will come into effect on Feb. 16, 2019. Sy stepped into the role of artistic director in April 2012 and helped Gateway launch its Chinese-language Pacific Festival in 2014

“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,” said John Watson, the chair of the theatre’s board in a press release.

“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.”

Sy is also a well-known playwright and actor. His play, Nine Dragons, just finished its run at Gateway last weekend and his one-man show, A Taste of Empire, will have its Cantonese premiere in Toronto this May.

Gateway Theatre’s board will begin its recruitment process in the upcoming months.

“It was tough decision to make – to leave a place I care about so deeply,” said Sy in a statement. “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.”