23rd SF International Arts Festival AURA Immersive Work

Agnes Szelag and Amy Lewis are staging the world premiere of “Aura” at the San Francisco International Arts Festival on May 9 and May 10. (sfiaf.org) The piece runs 50 minutes without intermission at Theatre of Yugen / NOH Space, 2840 Mariposa St., with performances set for Saturday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 at 6 p.m. (sfiaf.org) “Aura” is built as four 12-minute movements — jungle, desert, mountain, and ocean — that track seasons, lunar phases, time of day, the four elements, and the arc of human life. (sfiaf.org) (sfcv.org) Szelag handles sound, video, movement, and performance, while Lewis performs and shapes the movement language. The festival describes the work as a sensory environment built with light, sound, fabric texture, and color rather than spoken text. (sfiaf.org) The show lands inside the 23rd San Francisco International Arts Festival, which runs April 29 through May 10 across the Mission District. Festival organizers said the 2026 edition includes more than 50 ensembles, more than 100 performances and activities, and 14 venues. (sfiaf.org 1) (sfiaf.org 2) Mission Local reported this year’s lineup includes artists from nine countries, underscoring the festival’s long-running focus on international exchange even as visa hurdles have complicated bookings for touring performers. (missionlocal.org) “Aura” also extends a Bay Area collaboration that dates to 2015. The artists’ earlier projects together include “Ona,” “16 Electras,” “ANIMA,” and “What’s Done Is Done,” according to the festival’s artist page. (sfiaf.org) Both artists hold Master of Fine Arts degrees from Mills College — Szelag in music and Lewis in dance — and Lewis’ credits include ODC’s Pilot Program, Djerassi Resident Artists Program, and the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards committee. (sfiaf.org) Tickets for “Aura” are listed at $20 early bird, $25 general admission, and $30 at the door. Festival passes are also being sold for multi-show discounts as the Mission District program continues through May 10. (sfiaf.org)