The Story of the Woman Who Created Kabuki
OKUNI: The Woman Who Created Kabuki
Now through Saturday, November 23
Theatre Row – 410 W. 42nd Street
Admission: Starting at $40
Amaterasu Za presents OKUNI: The Woman Who Created Kabuki, written, directed, and choreographed by Ako Dachs. This show will be performed in Japanese with subtitles and thematic narrations in English. Preview performances of OKUNI began on November 2, in advance of its opening night on November 14, and the show will run through November 23 at Theatre Row.
Combining authentic dance, live music, dialogue, and narration, OKUNI tells the real-life story of a young woman who, in 1603, defied societal norms and gender roles to create Kabuki, one of Japan’s most iconic art forms. Performing on the riverbanks of Kyoto, Okuni and her all-female troupe captivated audiences by portraying both men and women with flamboyant costumes and swaggering style. Her bold, satirical performances quickly gained popularity, earning her the title “Best in the World” from the government. However, as imitators and concerns about morality grew, women were banned from performing Kabuki, and the tradition became an all-male domain—a practice that continues today. Presented by the bilingual Japanese-English theater company Amaterasu Za, OKUNI brings to life the extraordinary journey of the woman who broke barriers and founded a theatrical tradition that has endured for more than 400 years.
“OKUNI is a story of defiance, creativity, and the power of female empowerment, says Ako Dachs. “I was inspired to write this play because, even today, women are often marginalized in spaces they have helped to build. Okuni’s journey is a reminder that women’s contributions to culture, art, and society aren’t new. Through this production, we celebrate not only Okuni’s legacy but the strength of women everywhere who continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible."
OKUNI cast (l to r): Ako, Yasushi Kimura, Fumi Tanakadate
Conceived by and starring Japanese-born, NY-based actress Ako*, who was recently seen in FX/Hulu's Emmy Award-winning series Shogun, OKUNI also features well-known Tokyo-based actor Yasushi Kimura and musician Fumi Tanakadate. The design team includes lighting design by Aaron Bowersox, set design by Josh Dachs, projection design by Cinthia Chen, sound design by Chad Raines, costume design by Ako Dachs, and wig design by Mitsuteru Okuyama. Original music composition is by Fumi Tanakadate and Ako Dachs. Production stage manager is Madeleine Blossom*, assistant stage manager is Sabrina Morabito*, and Kanako Morita is the assistant producer.
OKUNI runs 90 minutes with no intermission and will play Tuesday through Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. For more information, please visit AmaterasuZa’s website; to purchase tickets, please visit www.bfany.org.
Full Schedule
Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Opening Night – SOLD OUT)
Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
*Actors Equity Association
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SACHIYO ITO & COMPANY OFFERING FREE LESSON IN JAPANESE DANCE
Free Trial Japanese Dance Lesson with Sachiyo Ito and Company
Saturday, September 28 from Noon until 1:00 p.m.
Sachiyo Ito and Company Studio – 405 W. 23rd Street at 9th Avenue
Admission: Free
Sachiyo Ito and Company at the 2024 Japan Parade. Photo by Jon Jung.
Japanese traditional dancer, instructor, and choreographer Sachiyo Ito is opening her Chelsea studio for a free trial lesson on Saturday, September 28!
What You’ll Learn
Basic movements and gestures of Japanese dance
How to use the dance fan (fan will be provided)
Kabuki dance repertory
What To Bring
Cotton socks
Yukata and obi (if you have them)
To register, please send an email to sachiyoitoandcompany@gmail.com. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 26.
Come dressed in your yukata or allow yourself enough time to get dressed at the studio before the lesson is scheduled to begin. If you need a yukata and/or an obi, please inform Sachiyo Ito and Company when you register.
To those experienced in stage performances, you will have an opportunity to join Sachiyo Ito and Company for 2025 spring performances such as cherry blossom festivals. Learn more about Sachiyo Ito and Company at dancejapan.com.
Enjoy the beauty and grace of Japanese dance!
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!