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 over 400 years.
Conceived by and starring Japanese-born, NY-resident actress Ako, 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.
