by Alec Clayton
One Table, a groundbreaking performance company, is bringing live theater to bars and restaurants across Tacoma. Their shows blend improv, comedy, and drama, collaboratively created and performed by a mix of amateur and professional actors under the direction of filmmakers Masahiro Sugano and Derek Nunn. Since much of it is improvisational, the scenes are not titled but are simply called scene one, scene two and so forth.
Nunn is back home in Tacoma from Los Angeles with 15 years of film and television production experience. In 2020 he started his own production company, Magnum Opus Productions, with a focus on developing dynamic and innovative stories for film and TV that showcase uniquely underrepresented groups and demographics. He serves on the board of The Grand Cinema and the Tacoma Arts Commission.
Inspired by a chance encounter with Japanese street theater in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, Nunn seeded the idea for One Table in 2022. Upon returning to Tacoma, he shared his vision with fellow filmmaker and University of Washington film professor Masahiro Sugano, who saw Nunn’s idea as an opportunity to nurture talent and encourage experimentation in the Tacoma theater scene.
From Osaka, Japan, Sugano had debuted his short animation Hisao at Sundance in 1999. His first feature, Second Moon premiered at Busan in 2006. Sugano currently lives in Tacoma and is a Senior Artist-in-Residence at the University of Washington Bothell, teaching art, filmmaking, and global studies.
One Table, launched in early 2024 with a duo of performances at The Rusty Goat on Opera Alley that were met with enthusiastic receptions. “The troupe’s unique approach to theater brings the energy and spontaneity of street performances into intimate bar and restaurant settings, creating an immersive experience for audiences,” says co-producer Jesi Vega.
Fellow co-producer, Anida Yoeu Ali said, “One Table is committed to showcasing local talent and bringing innovative theater experiences to unexpected venues throughout Tacoma. By blending professional and amateur performers, the troupe creates a dynamic and ever-changing cast that keeps each performance fresh and engaging.”
“One Table is an opportunity to see your city as you’ve never seen it before, through the lens of live, collaborative theater right in your favorite local hangouts,” said Nunn.
One Table’s second show will be presented on Friday, August 16th at Tacoma’s Cider and Cedar at 744 Market Street. The cast of performers includes Sameer Arshad, Jesse Hinds, Natasha Nelina, Joshua Sembly, and John Dugaw.
Sameer Arshad, Jesse Hinds, Natasha Nelina, Joshua Sembly, and John Dugaw
Arshad is a Persian-Turk-Arab-Indian-Pakistani playwright, writer, actor, animator, filmmaker, comic maker and visual artist based in Seattle. Several of Arshad’s plays have been produced in the Seattle area. He has also acted in several plays as well, including at Centerstage Theatre and Macha Theatre Works.
Hinds worked in theater arts in the Pacific Northwest for over a decade, splitting his time between acting, directing, and fight choreography for stage and film. His work with Engaged Theater company, bringing Shakespeare to prisons in Western Washington, cemented his lifelong belief in the transformative power of live theater, particularly in alternate settings.
Neina is a licensed psychotherapist based in Tacoma. She was born in the Soviet Union, which she left in 1989 with her 9-year-old son. As a daughter of a psychologist and an actor, she has always been interested in the healing power of theater.
Sembly, originally from New Castle, Del., has a background in construction but is passionate about the arts. He enjoys skateboarding, playing drums, watching films, reading comics, and visiting art exhibitions. Currently residing in Tacoma, he is studying to be a cybersecurity analyst and is making his acting debut.
Dugaw has warm baritone vocals with an easy smile and hair that can go from friendly neighbor to axe murderer deranged with a quick swish of the hands. He has a natural encourager/cheerleader personality with a passion for bringing characters to life.
WHAT
One Table production
WHEN
Friday, August 16
Doors open at 6 p.m. with seating available on a first come basis. Performances typically begin around 6:30 pm.
WHERE
Cider and Cedar, 744 Market St., Tacoma
COST
There is no cost to attend, but audience members are encouraged to buy food and drinks from the venue and to offer a donation to the actors.
RSVP today to get a seat: https://www.onetableshow.com/events
LEARN MORE
https://www.onetableshow.com
onetableshow@gmail.com
(312) 933-4426
