Mark Twain's at CounterPulse

San Francisco Youth Theatre (SFYT) proudly presents the world premiere of Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger, running February 19 through March 1, 2026, at CounterPulse (80 Turk St, SF). Set in 1590s Austria, the story follows three teenagers encountering a Stranger from the future who shines a light on the moral hypocrisy of the village's gossip, greed, and witch hunts. Using magic, illusion, and Twain’s trademark humor, the Stranger challenges the teens (and our audiences) to find their own moral compass in a world rife with hypocrisy. 

SFYT’s The Mysterious Stranger features storytelling, shadow puppetry, projections, original live music. Performed by a professional mixed age cast of teens and adults, the story rings as true today as it was in Twain’s time–compelling audiences to find the conviction to act decisively when the world is pulling away. 

Performed by SFYT DREAM Ensemble • Written & Direction by Cliff Mayotte • Producer, Song & Lyrics by Emily Klion • Puppetry by Dyana Díaz • Live Music by Sam Reider

San Francisco Youth Theatre (SFYT) is dedicated to transforming youth and communities through the performing arts through original, cutting-edge theater that speaks to the unique sensibilities of youth.