Joanne M. Hunter, choreographer of the Broadway hits “School of Rock” and “Bad Cinderella,” has been tapped to direct the upcoming musical “Yasuke: The Black Samurai.”
The production, which Hunter will also choreograph, is scheduled to open on Broadway during the 2026-27 season.
“Yasuke: Black Samurai” is based on a true story of events that took place in 16th century feudal Japan. The film follows the journey of Yasuke, an African man who was uprooted from his native Mozambique and brought to Japan. Once there, he is respected in a society known for its discipline and moral codes, and discovers samurai culture, where the way of life holds the utmost importance. According to the official story, “Cultural differences create endless conflicts for Yasuke at first, but the gap slowly begins to close as he realizes his true potential in a world where men treat each other with respect.”
The book and music will be written by Bálint Varga, with lyrics by Azusa Fujikura, Jöel René Scoville, and Joe Barros. Alexander Robertson of Emlex Entertainment will produce the show. More creative announcements will be made soon.
Hunter's other choreographic credits include Broadway's “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever” and “She Loves Me,” as well as the 2019 West End revival of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” As an actress, she has appeared in “Cats,” “Miss Saigon,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” “Yasuke: The Black Samurai” will be her directorial debut.
she He said to the ProphetSpeaking to The New York Times about her choreography career in 2021, she said: “People don’t really understand that a choreographer in a musical does more than just dance sequences. You’re moving people, you’re handling transitions, you’re focusing on where the audience’s focus should be. You have to be completely connected to the vision of the composer, the writer, the director.”
