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BORN INTO DARKNESS, COMEDY IS HER SUPER POWER

"A consummate storyteller"

 

— San Francisco Chronicle

“Pretty Beast signals a bold and important new voice in comedy and theatre.”

 

— The Georgia Straight

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 Fringe Festival, Canada

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

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

COLLEGES

Pretty Beast illuminates the themes of what I teach in Feminisms and Disability.

Professor Stewart

Women's & Gender Studies, University of Manitoba

Press

San Francisco Chronicle
48 Hills logo
The Georgia Straight logo
Winnipeg Free Press logo

Perfect and scrumptious, 

San Francisco Chronicle

Leave a comment if you saw the show. Or Book the Award Winning Show Now!

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