Oh Lucy! Tickets

Oh Lucy! is a striking play that explores the complexity of relationships and emotions, written by Japanese-American playwright and filmmaker Atsuko Hirayanagi. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017, and went on to receive critical acclaim for its innovative style and thought-provoking storytelling.

The play tells the story of a middle-aged office worker in Tokyo named Setsuko, who banishes her lonely existence when she begins taking English lessons from an unconventional instructor named John. After their initial connection over learning the language, John suddenly departs for America, leaving Setsuko to pick up the pieces of her life and attempt to make sense of this emotional journey. When her niece Mika comes to visit, Setsuko gives her a blonde wig and attempts to shape her into the person she wishes she could be. Caught between fantasy and reality, Setsuko’s world spirals out of control and she finds herself on a path to self-discovery.

Atsuko Hirayanagi’s Oh Lucy! presents a fresh look at theater through its blending of film elements into live performance, as well as its interplay between different cultures and languages. Hirayanagi’s decision to adapt it from a short film of the same name showcases how both mediums can complement each other and create unique, multi-layered experiences.

In addition to the innovative style of the play, the themes explored in Oh Lucy! are inherently theatrical. The exploration of identity, relationships, and the nuances of human emotion resonate strongly with theater-goers. The story’s gradual shift from a humorous and playful beginning to a darker and more introspective end keeps audiences engaged and invested until the very end.

Furthermore, the staging and choreography epitomize the profound importance of physicality in theater and offer the audience a fascinating experience. The use of bright wigs and wardrobe changes emphasize the change in characters’ personalities and signify the different roles they inhabit. Combined with an intricate use of props, such as the English textbook Setsuko employs throughout the play and the idolized pizza box belonging to John, the show injects a striking sense of visual flair.

In conclusion, Oh Lucy! is a brilliant and compelling play that incorporates modern innovations in theater to explore timeless themes with innovation and nuance. The play demonstrates the unique power of theater to challenge and entertain, while also allowing audiences to ponder on some important questions about the nature of the human experience.