Review | An Unrivaled “Unrivaled” at Boston Court Pasadena

(L-R) ChelseaYakura-Kurtz, Cindy Nguyen and Katie Kitani in ‘Unrivaled’ at Boston Court Pasadena (Photo – Brian Hashimoto)

Written by Rosie Narasaki, directed by Margaret Shigeko Starbuck, and featuring an all-Asian American and Pacific Islanders cast, AAPI playwright, and a primarily AAPI creative team, this world premiere collaboration is a fictional account exploring the complicated “frenemy” relationship between two of Japan’s most beloved female writers.

By Carol Edger Germain

The play, “Unrivaled”, at Boston Court Pasadena, is about two Japanese 11th-century ladies-in-waiting. One is Murasaki Shikibu (978-1014), author of “The Tale of Genji” (believed to be the first novel in the world and heralded as the most significant work of literature in Japanese history).  The other is Sei Shonagon (966-1025), author of “The Pillow Book,” in the genre known as zuihitsu which comprises critical commentaries, short-form poetry, and random vignettes.

Sounds serious, important, and frankly, I am inspired to read both of these books, but the big surprise is that it is done as a comedy with current social jargon! A sharp, fast-moving romp in which the four actors (Katie Kitani as Murasaki, Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz as Sei, Cindy Nguyen as Empress Teishi, and David Huynh as Michinaga) pull it off hilariously with their perfect timing and expressive physicality. Loved the stop-action moments when some historical reference was explained to the audience, again with humor. Very fun evening, including the opportunity to meet the actors, writer, director, publicist and other theater officials. Judging by the comments, laughing, handshaking and other communication after the play, I doubt there is a negative comment to be heard.

Don’t miss it!

Boston Court Pasadena
70 North Mentor Avenue
Pasadena
626-683-6801
Unrivaled
A Co-Production with Playwright’Arena
Until April 23
Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Saturday
Tickets: boxoffice@bostoncourtpasadena.org
Limited free parking behind the theater; Free street parking

David Huynh in ‘Unrivaled’ (Photo – Brian Hashimoto)