23rd SF International Arts Festival — AURA

Agnes Szelag and Amy Lewis will give the world premiere of “Aura” on May 9 and May 10 at Theatre of Yugen / NOH Space in San Francisco’s Mission District. (sfiaf.org) The San Francisco International Arts Festival lists two performances: Saturday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 at 6 p.m. The piece runs 50 minutes without intermission. (sfiaf.org) Festival materials describe “Aura” as an immersive multimedia work built around four 12-minute movements: jungle, desert, mountain and ocean. Those sections tie together seasons, lunar phases, times of day, the four elements and the arc of human life. (sfiaf.org) The work uses sound, video, movement, and fabric as its main visual and physical language. The festival says texture and color shape the performance’s shifting ecosystems and moods. (sfiaf.org) Szelag is credited for sound, video, movement and performance, while Lewis is credited for movement and performance. The artists have collaborated on multimedia pieces since 2015. (sfiaf.org) Their earlier joint works include “Ona” for the Soundwave Biennial Architecture program, “16 Electras” for the festival, “ANIMA” in 2019, and the site-specific “What’s Done Is Done” in 2021. (sfiaf.org) The performances sit inside the 23rd San Francisco International Arts Festival, which runs from April 29 through May 10. Organizers said the 2026 edition brings more than 50 ensembles, over 100 performances, lectures and educational activities to 14 Mission District venues. (sfiaf.org) Festival ticket information lists “Aura” at $20 early bird, $25 general admission in advance and $30 at the door. The venue is Theatre of Yugen / NOH Space at 2840 Mariposa St. (sfiaf.org) For this festival, “Aura” is both a new premiere and a compact one: 50 minutes, two performances, four movements, one weekend. (sfiaf.org)