Pivot Theatre is here!
The staff and Board of Directors of Nakai Theatre are proud to announce a historic change. Effective November 20th, 2025, the organization will be known as Pivot Theatre, or Pivot for short.
The legal name has changed from Nakai Theatre Ensemble to Pivot Theatre Yukon Society.
This shift marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it looks toward its 50th anniversary, building on a legacy of artistic adaptation and community engagement in the Yukon.
A Legacy of Adaptation, A Name for the Future
Founded in 1979 by two young artists, Beth Mulloy and Sheila Langston, the company was named “Nakai”—the spelling at the time of a Gwich’in word for ‘two’—a nod to the two founders and suggested by Elizabeth Kaye when a name for a grant was needed. Nearly 50 years later, the company has extended far beyond that initial impulse, serving as a pillar for theatre development and presentation in the territory.
In that time, the organization has consistently adapted to the changing realities and opportunities of the North, remaining deeply rooted in the Yukon.
Which is to say: we’ve been Pivoting.
“We are making this change from a position of organizational strength, acknowledging our history while actively shaping our future,” says Jacob Zimmer, Artistic Director. “Pivot Theatre honours the decades of artistic labour under the Nakai name, while making an intentional change for present and future relations with our community.”
Why Pivot? Connecting History and Values
The decision to change the name was guided by two core considerations:
1. A Values-Led Decision on Language
The Board of Directors made this choice to ensure the organization's name accurately reflects its identity and values:
The spelling and pronunciation of “Nakai” no longer align with the current Gwich’in word for 'two.'
While Pivot Theatre continues to collaborate with and support Indigenous artists and stories, and considers this work core to our mandate, we are not an Indigenous-led or mandated organization. We do not want to inadvertently claim or be mistaken for one, nor do we wish to use others' language in our name.
2. An Obvious & Unanimous Choice
The name "Pivot" connects directly to the company’s celebrated programming:
The organization is known for the Pivot Festival, a dynamic January tradition and a renowned contribution to Whitehorse's cultural calendar.
When seeking a new name, the Board and staff wanted a choice that was short, snappy, acronym-free, and connected to the company’s identity as an organization that embraces change and new directions. The choice of “Pivot” was immediate and unanimous.
The Board of Directors and membership formally approved the motion for the name change at its Annual General Meeting in September 2025.
Looking Ahead
As Pivot Theatre, we are excited to continue developing new theatre, presenting the best of national and local performance, and supporting the creativity and expression of the people we share this territory with.
Please Note:
The company’s website and email addresses are changing, but all old addresses will remain functional for at least one year to ensure a smooth transition.
Find us online at pivotyukon.ca