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.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

Cast & Artists

The Artists

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

Artistic Director Interviews The Adapter/Director

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

Artistic Director Interviews the Director of The Tempest

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

Five Minutes With Francis Guinan

Ensemble member Fran Guinan talks August, London and Art.

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

Lobby Display: Kafka on the Shore

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

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.