The Gate Theater Group Members
Robert E. Young Associate Producer/Actor
Has been involved with The Gate Theater since its creation 4 years ago. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001 and subsequently moved to Chiang Mai. He was active in community theater while in the Navy, stationed in Japan and also was a member of the Navy’s Blue Jacket’s Choir from 1977 – 1989. His stage credits include “South Pacific”, “Jesus Christ”, “Super Star” and “Godspell.”With The Gate Theater Group, Bob has appeared in “Strange Snow”, "The Odd Couple" and "Driving Miss Daisy."
Irene Barrientos-Young (Associate Director)
Born in the Philippines, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English at the Adventist University of the Philippines and worked at the same University right after her graduation. During her stay there, she became very active in many group activities and was very interested in stage plays. She helped many students develop their hidden talents in acting. Irene served as a leader in different organizations at the university and whenever they had programs, acting was always included. She also became the Director of the school’s Theater Club, her group traveled and performed at various places in the Philippines.
Irene believes that acting is not only for entertainment but it’s the joy of being another person in another world, where tears and laughter will be heard every time the curtain falls. It is giving away something of yourself to others.
She traveled around Europe and experienced the different works of art, which made her more interested in the world of acting.
Despite of her busy schedule, Irene joined “The Gate Theater Group” and served as an Assistant Director for the pioneering shows “The Dodo Bird” and “The Gin Game”. She most recently directed "Driving Miss Daisy"
Naveen Qayyum (Publicist/Graphic Artist)
Naveen is a communicator from Pakistan. She is a postgraduate in media studies and had been working for NGOs and media organization for human right projects. She also freelances on social justice issue, people’s movements and dialogue for print media.
She is currently based in Chiang Mai carrying out research for her documentary film project on interreligious dialogue and Muslim immigrant communities in Europe, which is a continuation of her first documentary film Talking Faith www.talkingfaith.org.
She will begin production on her second film in May 2009 in the Netherlands. Naveen has also served as Assistant Director and Stage Manager for The Gate Theater Group’s production of The Gin Game during the summer of 2008.
Joyce Matchett (Associate Director)
I was born and schooled inMinneapolis, Minnesota. My artistic side developedthrough writing children stories I called,"Grandma Stories", while sailing around the Mediterraneanfor 3 years.
Later,while living in Oaxaca, Mexico and being surrounded by known artist, inspired me to try painting. My medium was in oils and to this day, continue to enjoy painting. My first connection with theater was at the age of around 7 when I put on a play about Cowboys and Indians and charged the neighbor kids 1 cent to see it.
Now, 60 years later, I find myself at full circle. Thanks to the Gate Theater and Stephan Turner, I will be helping to keep live theater active in Chiang Mai, hopefully for years to come.
Wan Mornkan (Scenic Artist/Box office)
Wan is originally from Kalasin, Thailand. She is a founding member of The Gate Theater Group and has been Box Office Manager and Scenic Artist helping to create sets for The Dodo Bird, The Gin Game, The Eight Reindeer Monologues, and Strange Snow.