About the Show
Growing up in a turbulent household in Japan, Kazu dreams of escape. Raised by a distant, irresponsible father and a mother living with schizophrenia, Kazu learned to use humor to heal her wounds & process her trauma. She was frequently considered the “class clown,” at odds with Japanese societal norms for women/girls. Against odds, she discovers her voice and sense of purpose in comedy. Kazu delivers a one-two punch of wry observation, and raw physicality in this exuberant, rebellious ride.
Award Winner & consummate hilarious storyteller!
Kusano is LA based (AGT Celebrity Audition & Comedy Central)
Pretty Beast takes on family mental illness, stigma, societal sexism, and what it means to discover your own superpowers, while there’s still enough time to use them for good.
In today’s political climate, Pretty Beast is more than just a performance—it’s a timely reminder of the power of humor and hope through an immigrant voice.
Written/performed: Kazu Kusano
Directed: Jane Morris
