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
Content Advisory
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Directed by: ensemble member Frank Galati
- Scenic Design: James Schuette
- Costume Design: Mara Blumenfeld
- Lighting Design: James F. Ingalls
- Original Music: Andre Pluess
- Original Music: Ben Sussman
- Stage Manager: Malcolm Ewen
- Assistant Stage Manager: Lauren V. Hickman
- Assistant Director: Alec Duffy
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
-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
Martha Lavey and Frank Galati discuss the scale and scope of novelist Haruki Murakami's work.
Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses The Tempest with director and ensemble member Tina Landau
Ensemble member Fran Guinan talks August, London and Art.
Literary Assistant Joy Meads explores the logic of Murakami's vivid dreamlike imagery in Kafka on the Shore.
Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the 2008-2009 Season of the Imagination
A glossary of terms and images that appear in Kafka on the Shore