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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