Synopsis

A young boy’s coming of age parallels an old man’s search for destiny in a modern day Japan where the borders between everyday reality, dreams and imagination are constantly crossed. In this world premiere adaptation of the popular novel, encounter talking cats on the streets of Tokyo, World War II soldiers trapped in time, Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. Experience the unexpected in this fantastical tale about waking up to your own life.

Tony Award-winner Frank Galati adapted and directed Haruki Murakami’s after the quake during Steppenwolf’s 2005-2006 Season. This critically-acclaimed production went on to successful runs at Long Wharf Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse and Berkeley Rep. Haruki Murakami, author of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and other novels, is an award-winning writer whose work has been translated into 34 languages. Learn more about Haruki Murakami at www.harukimurakami.com.

Watch & Listen

  1. Christopher Larkin on Kafka

    Christopher Larkin on Kafka

  2. David Rhee on Nakata

    David Rhee on Nakata

  3. #008: Ensemble Member Frank Galati on Kafka on the Shore

    #008: Ensemble Member Frank Galati on Kafka on the Shore

  4. Frank Galati on Adapting Kafka on the Shore

    Frank Galati on Adapting Kafka on the Shore

  5. Kafka on the Shore in Production

    Kafka on the Shore in Production

  6. Andrew Pang on Haruki Murakami

    Andrew Pang on Haruki Murakami's Styles

  7. Kafka on the Shore in Rehearsal

    Kafka on the Shore in Rehearsal

  8. #006: Christopher Larkin on Kafka on the Shore

    #006: Christopher Larkin on Kafka on the Shore

  9. Francis Guinan on Johnnie Walker and Colonel Sanders

    Francis Guinan on Johnnie Walker and Colonel Sanders

  10. Frank Galati on Haruki Murakami

    Frank Galati on Haruki Murakami

  11. Jon Michael Hill on Crow

    Jon Michael Hill on Crow

  12. Kafka at the Scene Shop

    Kafka at the Scene Shop

  13. #005: Ensemble Member Jon Michael Hill on Superior Donuts

    #005: Ensemble Member Jon Michael Hill on Superior Donuts

  14. #001: Artistic Director Martha Lavey on the 2008-2009 Season

    #001: Artistic Director Martha Lavey on the 2008-2009 Season

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

Reviews

"A Steppenwolf show of runaway imagination ... undeniably enticing"
-Chicago Sun-Times

"Timely and potent ... a beguiling new show"
-Chicago Tribune

"A kaleidoscope of images and characters who morph, combine, and fall into patters of perfect dream logic...visually stunning"
-Newcity

"Elegant enchantment...masterful"
-Daily Herald

"Insistently intriguing...really good stuff here"
-Variety

"Stunning, dark, playful, frightening, charming, and beautifully abstract."
-Gay Chicago Magazine

Program Articles

Letter from the Artistic Director on the 2008-2009 Season

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the 2008-2009 Season of the Imagination

Into the Labyrinth: The Dream Logic of Kafka on the Shore

Literary Assistant Joy Meads explores the logic of Murakami's vivid dreamlike imagery in Kafka on the Shore.

Letter from the Artistic Director on the 2008-2009 Season

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the 2008-2009 Season of the Imagination

Five Minutes With Francis Guinan

Ensemble member Fran Guinan talks August, London and Art.

Artistic Director Interviews the Director of The Tempest

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses The Tempest with director and ensemble member Tina Landau

Artistic Director Interviews The Adapter/Director

Martha Lavey and Frank Galati discuss the scale and scope of novelist Haruki Murakami's work.

Into the Labyrinth: The Dream Logic of Kafka on the Shore

Literary Assistant Joy Meads explores the logic of Murakami's vivid dreamlike imagery in Kafka on the Shore.

Lobby Display: Kafka on the Shore

A glossary of terms and images that appear in Kafka on the Shore

Buy Tickets

Tickets for this production are not currently on sale. Call 312-335-1650 for more information.

Running Time