ANU Za Kabuki 9-11 October 2026
This modern comedic piece was written in 1954 by celebrated Japanese novelist Yukio Mishima (三島 由紀夫). Sarugenji, a humble sardine seller and a hopeless romantic, has fallen madly in love with Hotarubi, a beautiful courtesan who only the highest ranking lords can meet. With no status to offer but a fishmonger's bargain, Sarugenji seems doomed to admire her from afar… until he hatches a plan with his father to disguise himself as the noble samurai "Lord Utsunomiya". Smuggled into the pleasure quarter, Sarugenji must convince the courtesans of his nobility in order to finally meet his true love once again. But when a few cups of sake threaten to unravel his secret, Hotarubi's own past comes to light, bringing both of them together in a way neither could have ever expected.
ANU Za Kabuki has performed the play previously in 2002, 2006, 2011 and 2016. The 2006 performance was accompanied by an original orchestral score.
This year’s performance is a 'Commemorative Event for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Japan and Australia'.
Friday 9 October 6:30pm
Saturday 10 October 6:30pm
Sunday 11 October matinee 1:30pm
ANU Za Kabuki 2026
Canberra REP is pleased to welcome, once more, ANU Za Kabuki, the southern hemisphere's oldest Kabuki troupe, to Canberra’s iconic theatre on the edge of the ANU campus.
https://www.facebook.com/anuzakabuki
