Unrivaled

by Rosie Narasaki

11th century ladies-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon are, to this day, two of Japan's most beloved writers.

They also kind of hated each other.

This play is about friendship, heartbreak, and what it means to be a female artist. Perhaps most of all, it's about how no matter how much things change, the more they stay the same... even after a thousand years.

11th century ladies-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon are, to this day, two of Japan's most beloved writers.

They also kind of hated each other.

This play is about friendship, heartbreak, and what it means to be a female artist. Perhaps most of all, it's about how no matter how much things change, the more they stay the same... even after a thousand years.

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Unrivaled

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  • Anna Tatelman: Unrivaled

    I saw this at Seattle Public last month and it was one of my favorite productions this season. Rosie Narasaki does a fantastic job not only teaching her mostly-Western audience about a lot of likely unfamiliar history in a fun and non-patronizing way, but of crafting an engaging narrative with well-timed humor and pathos; excellent pacing that knows just when to linger in a moment and when to bounce forward; and witty, nuanced characters who sometimes make questionable choices even when they mean well.

    I saw this at Seattle Public last month and it was one of my favorite productions this season. Rosie Narasaki does a fantastic job not only teaching her mostly-Western audience about a lot of likely unfamiliar history in a fun and non-patronizing way, but of crafting an engaging narrative with well-timed humor and pathos; excellent pacing that knows just when to linger in a moment and when to bounce forward; and witty, nuanced characters who sometimes make questionable choices even when they mean well.

  • Dawn Branch: Unrivaled

    I actually saw this production a few nights ago. It is beautiful - funny and poignant, Narasaki depicts both the close bond that can develop in female friendships and the distrust that can tear them apart. For dealing with historical figures, the characters are modernized and relatable. I was laughing, then crying, then laughing again. Congratulations!

    I actually saw this production a few nights ago. It is beautiful - funny and poignant, Narasaki depicts both the close bond that can develop in female friendships and the distrust that can tear them apart. For dealing with historical figures, the characters are modernized and relatable. I was laughing, then crying, then laughing again. Congratulations!

  • Katherine Vondy: Unrivaled

    So fun. So compelling. So heartbreaking. Rosie Narasaki has taken an absolutely fascinating piece of history and has transformed it into an absolutely fascinating piece of theater! UNRIVALED is a delightful theatrical romp that sneaks under your skin, disarming you in the best way. World: produce this, please!

    So fun. So compelling. So heartbreaking. Rosie Narasaki has taken an absolutely fascinating piece of history and has transformed it into an absolutely fascinating piece of theater! UNRIVALED is a delightful theatrical romp that sneaks under your skin, disarming you in the best way. World: produce this, please!

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Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Boston Court Pasadena, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization EST/LA, Year 2020

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Playwrights' Arena and the Boston Court Pasadena, Year 2023