Playwright/director Kazuki Takase has adapted the Samurai legend of Kagekiyo to modern Japan in his Kagekiyo/Detained, performing at NYC's La MaMa Feb. 11-21.

The Kagekiyo of classic Kabuki and Noh theatre is a super-loyal Samurai warrior who, when captured and detained, refuses to pardon the wife who turned on him, resulting in her suicide and the death of their two children. Further dissatisfied when his enemy pardons him, Kagekiyo gouges his own eyes out. Set in a pre-trial detention center, Kagekiyo/Detained centers on Egami, a character based in essense on Kagekiyo. Around him, other prisoners are awaiting their trials, but he must face his life and his wife alone.

Takase, who made his New York directorial debut with Love Suicides at Amijima at La MaMa last season, directs a cast including Ohno Toru, Sakamaki Masataka, Ueno Jiro, Hoshi Ryohei, Sakurai Nobuhiko, Kunisue Taketoshi, Ozawa Hitomi and Suzuki Mizuho.

Designing Kagekiyo are Kaori Akazawa (set) and David Fulham (lighting). Yoshi Shimada composed and performs on the synthesizer

Tickets are $12 and available by calling (212) 475-7710. -- By Christine Ehren