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Introduction

The Utopian Theatre Asylum, widely known as TUTA Theatre, is a nonprofit theater company based in Chicago. Founded in 1995 in Washington, D.C., TUTA Theatre has committed itself to engaging the American audience with theater that is challenging both in form and content. Throughout its journey, TUTA has garnered critical acclaim and has become a significant cultural institution, particularly noted for its infusion of Eastern European and other international influences into the American theater scene.

Founding and Early Years

TUTA Theatre was established in 1995 in Washington, D.C., with a mission to explore and present theater that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The early years were marked by the challenges typical of new theater companies, including securing funding, building a reputation, and attracting an audience. However, TUTA quickly distinguished itself with its innovative productions and dedication to artistic excellence.

TUTA Theatre or The Utopian Theatre Asylum is a nonprofit theater company in Chicago.

TUTA was established in 1995 in Washington, D.C., and its mission is "to engage the American audience with relevant theatre challenging in both form and content."^[1] TUTA has produced and created multiple critically acclaimed shows, including Uncle Vanya,^[2] Tracks,^[3] and It's Only the End of the World.^[4]

A small Chicago theater company finding its niche in bringing Eastern European and other international influences into the American theater scene, the company is run by Artistic Director Zeljko Dukich and has a board that boasts numerous influential theaterpersons in the American theater scene.^[5]

For the 2008–2009 season, TUTA produced two plays: November's William Shakespeare's The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (the production Time Out Chicago called "the fall show we're most excited about")^[6] and spring's Maria's Field, written by Oleg Bogaev,^[7] which the Chicago Reader Recommended saying "the acting is emotionally precise, and the superb scenic, lighting, costume, and sound designs create a realistic environment for the play's poetic ruminations".^[8]