When schizophrenia and alcoholism collide in one Japanese family, comedy becomes her superpower — and ticket to freedom. KAZU takes audiences on a rebellious comedic journey deftly navigating mental illness, sexism and love. KAZU’s storytelling celebrates overcoming obstacles to achieve your dreams.
“Hilarious and devastating” – The Georgia Straight
WINNER Vancouver Pick of the Fringe
WINNER Best of Fest at Crazy Woke Asians Solo Performance Festival in LA
SOLD OUT in Vancouver and Los Angeles
Join Kazu as she paints a picture with satire humour and beautiful storytelling in Japanese & English. This show will bring you along for the ride- of growing up with mental illness while being a Japanese woman pursuing Comedy. Heartfelt, dark, and just the right amount of innuendos bring a light hearted approach to tell us Her story.
Pretty Beast is stellar comedic memoir. Kazu’s performance brought us to peaks of laughter before plunging us into sobering understandings of life shaped by another’s mental illness. And yet Kazu tells her truth from a place of love. These complex layers might seem impossible to portray in an hour’s performance, but Kazu’s art is seamless and the effect intense.
Loved Kazu’s first intro to Wpg Fringe. I am a Japanese Canadian and really identified w/her upbringing. LOVE< LOVED her show!!!
Go see IT. PEOPLE!!!!
Kazu’s energy and humour were the perfect way to start today. Her use of physical comedy and dry wit were fantastic. The story has many layers, and her vulnerability was inspiring. Grateful I made it!
You may not feel like you ” fit in “. But so what . You never know where you end up If you follow your passion . Her show was very inspiring and funny .
I found my new favourite clowning comic queen! KAZU breaks the mold with her courageous and outrageous storytelling about her unconventional pathway that brought her to the stage. I’ve witnessed people I care about experience mental health challenges from a young age, and seeing Pretty Beast is assurance I’m not alone in that. Maybe I cried, but I laughed even harder. Even if that’s not you, how KAZU navigates stigma, sexism and some dance moves, especially from an ethnocultural lens, is worth the ticket. Expect elements of physical humour that lightheartedly steps with charm, curiosity and wisdom— rolled up into many belly laughs. KAZU also reminds us of the importance of hugging loved ones but I kind of wish I asked for a dance lesson now. Don’t sleep on this, Winnipeg!
KAZU has followed her passions, walking a unique path. Her story is both funny and inspiring.
Funny and insightful view into the performer’s experience growing up in Japan in a family with mental illness/addictions. Deft characterization and use of lighting. Also a great venue–best legroom and popcorn at concessions!