OISTAT mourns the passing of Samuel, Shih-Hsing Wang, beloved to many as Sammy, who passed away on June 11, 2026.
Sammy was OISTAT Vice President, a long-standing member of the OISTAT community, and one of the most influential figures in Taiwan’s theatre design and technical theatre history. As a scenographer, educator, curator, and bridge-builder, he helped elevate Taiwan’s reputation on the global stage and brought theatre practitioners across cultures into deeper connection.
Sammy served as Dean of the School of Theatre Arts at Taipei National University of the Arts, where he inspired generations of young theatre practitioners. He was also a former Chairperson of the Department of Theatrical Design and Technology and Director of the Performing Arts Center at TNUA. Alongside his work as an educator and administrator, he was a well-known set and lighting designer in Taiwan, creating designs for performing arts companies and productions, including Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. His work spanned drama, musicals, traditional opera, children’s theatre, dance, and various performing arts.
For many in Taiwan’s theatre community, Sammy was a pioneer and mentor. He shaped the professional standards and spirit of theatre design education with patience, humor, and warmth. His care for people was felt as strongly as his commitment to the art form.
Sammy’s relationship with OISTAT and the international theatre community was deep and lasting. He served as President of the Taiwan Association of Theatre Technology (TATT, OISTAT Taiwan Centre) from 2007 to 2013 and continued to support TATT for many years. He played a vital role in connecting Taiwan’s theatre professionals with major international platforms, including World Stage Design and Prague Quadrennial. As Project Leader of World Stage Design 2017 in Taiwan, he was instrumental in bringing WSD to Taiwan for the first time, marking a milestone for both Taiwan and OISTAT. He also curated and advised Taiwan’s participation in the Prague Quadrennial, encouraging many theatre practitioners to take their first steps onto the international stage.
To OISTAT, Sammy was more than a colleague and leader. He was a dear friend whose generosity, vision and care supported the work of OISTAT Headquarters and its many projects. He brought people together quietly and steadily, always with a deep belief in collaboration and exchange. His presence helped open paths between Taiwan and the world, and his legacy will remain part of OISTAT’s shared history.
OISTAT extends its deepest condolences to Sammy’s family, friends, students, colleagues, Taipei National University of the Arts, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Thank you, Sammy, for the stages you designed, the bridges you built, and the light you left in our hearts.
Photo credit: 陳宥中 Yu Chung Chen
Click here to the memorial page of Samuel, Shih-Hsing Wang.
