The performance S/N took shape over the three years since Teiji first informed his friends he was HIV+, developing through discussions and activities concerning AIDS, sexuality and numerous other sensitive issues. The work owes its existence not only to the immediate participants in the production, but likewise to a truly diverse nexus of persons from all walks of life, whose involvement and influences helped focus our creative aims in the search for fundamental human freedoms and new possibilities in human relations.

Seeing performance as a means toward fresh new encounters, from the very premiere we have actively toured the production to different countries. And in each locale, we have sought to reach out beyond just the audience to an ever wider range of people, to connect with theater and festival staff, AIDS-concerned groups, and gay/lesbian communities. The joy of encounter and sharing transmuted into an energy that allowed us to push on further and further with our touring. To Teiji, it was an on-going battle against time.

Sadly, Teiji was unable to join in the last overseas performance tour to Brazil. And it was while we other members had gone to perform without him that Teiji finally succumbed back in Japan. Teiji, who poured his entire strength into creative expression until the very last, remains an incalculably great presence in our lives; his courage, his power, his love will continue to inspire us.

Thus, although the up-coming Tokyo performance of S/N is to be dedicated to his memory, it will not be colored by nostalgia. There is nowhere to go but forward. We members of dumb type, in keeping with Teiji's vision, look forward to the Tokyo performance in hopes of yet newer, more meaningful encounters.

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dumb type 10 November 1995