In an announcement today from Emlex Entertainment, producer Alexander Robertson revealed that the musical “Yasuke — The Black Samurai” is aiming for Broadway in the 2026-2027 season with JoAnn M. Hunter at the helm. Hunter is slated to direct and choreograph, which will mark her Broadway directorial debut.
“Yasuke — The Black Samurai” will feature a book and music by Bálint Varga and lyrics by Azusa Fujikura, Jöel René Scoville and Joe Barros. Based on true events unfolding in 16th Century Feudal Japan, the story follows Yasuke, an African man originally from Mozambique, as he navigates a foreign land. Initially uprooted, Yasuke finds himself immersed in Japanese society, where he unexpectedly gains admiration in a culture renowned for its discipline and moral principles.
Hunter previously directed and choreographed “Unmasked: the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” for the Paper Mill Playhouse, as well as world premieres of “August Rush,” “A Sign of the Times” and “The Nutty Professor.” Hunter’s Main Stem choreographic credits include “Bad Cinderella,” “Disaster!,” “School of Rock” and “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.” Hunter began her career as a performer, appearing on Broadway in productions such as “Jerome Robbins Broadway,” “Miss Saigon” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
Additional creative team and casting for “Yasuke—The Black Samurai” will be announced.
