OdysseyStage Presents the World Premiere of SHINSEI (rebirth) by Judy M. Dove
“Shinsei is a very personal lullaby to my mom. My mother was Japanese, born in Tokyo, Japan, and was a survivor of the Great Tokyo Air Raid in 1945, so I grew up with firsthand, on-the-ground accounts of the event….Writing is the only way I know how to manipulate time.”
– Judy M. Dove, Playwright
Announcing the World Premiere of SHINSEI (rebirth)
In a significant milestone for North Carolina’s theatre scene, OdysseyStage, the Triangle area’s reinvigorated theatre development company, proudly announces the world premiere of Shinsei (rebirth) by award-winning NC playwright Judy M. Dove. Directed by Bonnie Webster, this genre-bending drama will take audiences on an unforgettable journey through masterful storytelling this season.
A Genre-Bending Drama
Shinsei explores profound themes of life, death, war, tradition, and destiny. In the liminal space between life and death, protagonist Tsubame is visited by spirits from her American and Japanese pasts. She confronts the haunting question: has she ever truly controlled her destiny, or has she always been a puppet to fate? Combining bunraku puppetry with Japanese funeral traditions, each apparition attempts to resolve unfinished matters, yearning for closure to cross the threshold.
Bridging History, Culture, and the Supernatural
Shinsei spans many themes and captivates a broad audience. History buffs, otakus, anime lovers, supernatural aficionados, advocates for PTSD awareness, thanatologists, and cultural anthropologists will find in Shinsei a rich tapestry of historical viewpoints, cultural traditions, and supernatural intrigue.
A Stellar Ensemble: Featuring Exceptional Local Talent
The impressive cast includes Stephanie Yu in the role of TSUBAME, multi-faceted Katie Bolanos as both SORA and JAPANESE YŪREI, and Olivia Silber Ashley as JEANNIE. Other distinguished local talents and puppeteers include Liam Yates, Joy Bryant, Dylan Bailey, and Deb Teitelbaum.
Producer’s Insight
“Powerful stories emerge when we honor diverse voices and cultural legacies,” Juliana Valente, President and CEO of OdysseyStage shares. “Judy’s ability to weave together personal history with universal themes creates an intimate and expansive narrative. As a producer who first read the piece in 2022, I’m deeply moved by how this production bridges the past and present, offering our audience a profound reflection on fate, memory, and the choices that shape our lives. My journey with this project has been one of discovery and inspiration, reaffirming OdysseyStage’s commitment to bringing transformative stories to the stage. I’m incredibly proud of what we’re sharing with our community this fall.”
Save the Date
Be among the first to witness this world premiere at the iconic Burning Coal Theatre in downtown Raleigh, which opens on Halloween, Thursday, October 31st, and runs through Sunday, November 10th, 2024.
- Thursday, October 31, 7:30 pm
- Friday, November 1, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, November 2, 2:00 pm
- Saturday, November 2, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, November 3, 2:00 pm
- Thursday, November 7, 7:30 pm
- Friday, November 8, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, November 9, 2:00 pm
- Saturday, November 9, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, November 10, 2:00 pm
Tickets are available at Our.Show/Shinsei
Our Mission at OdysseyStage
At OdysseyStage, our mission is to amplify the diverse voices of North Carolina’s playwrights and bring their stories to life in ways that resonate deeply with our community. Every production we undertake is a commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and creating shared human experiences. With Shinsei, we continue to champion bold, original works that not only entertain but challenge and inspire. It’s about pushing boundaries and elevating local talent, and we are honored to be part of a team so dedicated to enriching our state’s theatrical landscape.
About OdysseyStage
OdysseyStage is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incubating and showcasing North Carolina playwrights’ bold and diverse voices. We focus on developing new theatrical work, fostering cultural dialogue, and deepening shared human experiences. We support local talent, advance the careers of playwrights, and enrich the North Carolina theatre scene. Learn more about our mission and consider contributing to our vision.
Shinsei was part of our Staged Reading development series in 2023 and was selected from our new play development pipeline as our main stage production in 2024.
Join us this fall for an extraordinary world premiere. As Tsubame navigates the eerie liminal space between life and death, confronting her past and questioning her destiny, immerse yourself in a hauntingly beautiful exploration of fate and free will. OdysseyStage continues to enrich North Carolina’s theatre landscape by developing and showcasing compelling works by local playwrights. We proudly present this evocative, local story, contributing to the state’s vibrant theatrical tradition.