WATOKU UENO
Watoku Uenois a Japanese-born theater artist based in New York. Studied at the Sokei Academy of Fine Arts, he creates visually poetic shadow puppet performances rooted in nature, memory, and movement. A longtime collaborator with La MaMa E.T.C., He has been creating immersive shadow puppet theatre that blends movement, imagery, and storytelling into a poetic visual language.
His recent work centers around the image of the tree—exploring its symbolic power as a witness, protector, and reminder of our connection to the earth. Each production is a meditative and visually rich experience that invites audiences to pause, reflect, and rediscover their relationship with the natural world.
Recognition & Notable Productions
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Recipient of the NEA/TCG Design Fellowship
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Nominated for the Henry Hewes Design Award for Production Design and Notable Effects for After the Rain at La MaMa
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Nominated for an American Theatre Wing Award for Set Design for Deshima, a collaboration with Ping Chong, performed at La MaMa and international arts festivals in Tokyo and Singapore
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Founding member of Yara Arts Group
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Resident designer for Ubu Repertory Theater
Collaborations and Teaching
Watoku Ueno worked closely with La MaMa’s resident set designer, Jun Maeda, for five seasons, contributing to productions directed by Tadeusz Kantor, Andrei Serban, Tom O’Horgan, Tadashi Suzuki, and Joseph Chaikin. He also collaborated on Kyogen (Noh-style comedy) at Lincoln Center and designed for Bunraku and Kabuki troupes at Japan House, as well as for John Jesurun at The Kitchen.
He designed sets and lighting for eleven Poetry in Performance workshops at Harvard Summer School, where he also taught and co-led the program. Ueno has also taught theater design at John Jay College and New York City College of Technology.
