BORN INTO DARKNESS, COMEDY IS HER SUPER POWER
Pretty Beast
A humorous story of surviving family’s mental illness, stigma & societal sexism
Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Japan, Kazu dreams of escape. Raised by a mother suffering from schizophrenia and a distant alcoholic father, forced to combat sexist stereotypes, she discovers her voice and purpose in comedy.
An award-winning solo performer, Kazu delivers a one-two punch of wry observation, and raw physicality in this rebellious ride.
Written, performed by Kazu Kusano
Directed by Jane Morris
Length: 60 minutes
AWARDS
2022 BEST OF FEST at the San Francisco Fringe Festival
2022 Stand-Up Acts Out Jenny Award at Winnipeg Fringe Festival
2019 PICK OF FRINGE at the Vancouver Fringe Festival
2019 BEST OF FEST at The Crazy Woke Asians Solo Fest
SCHEDULE
7/3 – 14
Toronto, Canada
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
COLLEGES
Pretty Beast illuminates the themes of what I teach in Feminisms and Disability.
AUDIENCE REVIEWS
“I’ve witnessed people I care about experience mental health challenges from a young age, and seeing Pretty Beat is assurance I’m not alone in that. Maybe I cried, but I laughed even harder.”
– Sophia, Winnipeg Canada
“Her use of physical comedy and dry wit were fantastic. The story has many layers, and her vulnerability was inspiring.”
– Trauma Therapist, Jenny, Vancouver Canada
“This is an amazingly moving story told with physical exuberance, indestructible spirit and even passion for the power of joke….Let her personal strength and humor inspire you to overcome tragedy, to live your life as your own truth, to engage in what you love…”
– Cameron, San Francisco
TRAILER
Team
Jane Morris, Director
Jeff Michalski, Acting Coach
Bhama Roget, Writing Coach
Caroline Park, Design
Yuko Koresawa, Costume
Jeremy Matthew, Video Editor
Carolyn Luhning, PR
Special thanks to the Fanatic Salon