Meet Murasaki Shikibu Followed by Book-Signing, and Other Things by Julia Izumi

Tonight we welcome Murasaki Shikibu in conversation to kick off the book launch of The Tale of Genji, one of the first novels ever written. Like, in the whole world. Granted, the event is over 1000 years late, but to make up for lost time, Lady Murasaki has a lot to say. If you’re lucky, she might even talk about the book. She will take questions and give autographs following the discussion. Priority seating...
Tonight we welcome Murasaki Shikibu in conversation to kick off the book launch of The Tale of Genji, one of the first novels ever written. Like, in the whole world. Granted, the event is over 1000 years late, but to make up for lost time, Lady Murasaki has a lot to say. If you’re lucky, she might even talk about the book. She will take questions and give autographs following the discussion. Priority seating with book purchase. Moderator TBD.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Meet Murasaki Shikibu Followed by Book-Signing, and Other Things

Recommended by

  • Morey Norkin:
    8 Nov. 2023
    “ Absolutely fascinating and at times hilarious look at an ancient tale and the woman who brought it to life 1000 years ago. Julia Izumi has crafted an intelligent, completely original piece that makes me want to attempt to wade through The Tale of Genji (in English, of course). Brilliant! ”
  • Katherine Gwynn:
    9 Dec. 2020
    “ I just finished reading this play in one furious delighted gulp. God--what a joy to find a play that explores a famous woman writer that actually frustrates the notions of "the woman writer" or legacy, or how one relates to their own art. I found this play so delightful and so then, so unexpectedly tender. I really hope to see this performed at some point. ”
  • Mark V Jones:
    7 Dec. 2019
    “ Julia, manages to entertain and educate without force. Our lead character, Murasaki is a riot. And why wouldn't she be? She's a 1000 years old, she's earned that right. The inclusion of audience participation would be nice to see played out ... or not. Either way works. This was very different for me and sometimes different can be good. It was. Great job Julia and long live Murasaki! ”
View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

  • Murasaki Shikibu
    Upon her death she was in her 30s or 40s and so she appears thus, but she’s actually over 1000 years old.,
    Japanese
    ,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Bookstore Manager
    Any adult age,
    Asian-American
    ,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, South Asian or South Asian American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • A Person
    Any adult age,
    Japanese
    ,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Avant Bard Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    CAATA National Asian-American ConFest
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    Brown University
    ,
    2017
  • Reading
    ,
    Great Plains Theatre Conference
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    New York Society Library
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Dixon Place
    ,
    2015

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Tiny Dynamite
    ,
    2023
  • Fringe
    ,
    FringeNYC, The Brewing Dept.
    ,
    2016

Awards

Artist Grant
,
Puffin Foundation
,
2016