←Recommendations of 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 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!

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!

This play is fantastic! Rosie has a deft hand at comedy and storytelling. Her dialogue is sharp and witty and lyrical and poetic. The story of this play is so rich with history yet current and relatable in the best way. She creates captivating and strong female characters that are unique, well written, and have dynamics that are very moving. Thrilled to have workshopped this play in Artists at Play's new play development readings.

This play is a true delight! A psychologically complex portrait of two 11th century Japanese writers that tackles notions of power, gender, and how our relationships can go from comforts to prisons. The language throughout and razor-sharp and Narasaki always keeps an impeccable focus on the tension inside these profound figures of distant history. A must for the theatre world.

This play is exquisite! Rosie Narasaki creates a theatrical world that transcends time and place yet feels so specific. The relationships/dynamics between Teishi, Sei, and Murasaki are truthful, nuanced, and endlessly fascinating. This play so sharply examines the ways women's personal and professional lives are controlled, distorted, and destroyed by externally imposed expectations in ways that honor history and feel undeniably current. The stage images and dialogue are beautiful, often hilarious, gutting, lyrical, and profound. How I'd love to see this staged, and I hope it has a long theatrical life!

This play about women living in 11th century Japan is probably the most relatable and accurate portrayal of female friendship I've ever seen on stage or screen. As a woman, loving yourself, others and your creative work is a complicated and often unpleasant juggling act. Narasaki illustrates this with her signature hilarious and poetic dialogue that perfectly balances the rich aesthetic of the period with the language of our present. I can't think of one thing I don't adore about this play. Send it straight to BROADWAY.