Isekai is a Japanese word that translates in English to “different world” or “other world.” More broadly, the word isekai has come to signify an entire genre of Japanese fantasy or science fiction, in which the main character finds him or herself in an entirely different world, either by teleportation or reincarnation.
Early traces of the isekai genre hail back to the Japanese folktale of a fisherman named Urashima Tarō. After saving a sea turtle, Urashima Tarō receives the gift of a visit to the undersea Dragon Palace where he is entertained by the Princess Otohime.
Over the past few decades, modern isekai stories have flourished, published as novels and in anime. Now, isekai comes to our local theatre stage, with Not Another Isekai!!, directed by Michael Yichao.
In this new production, co-presented by Pork Filled Productions and Jet City Improv, an ordinary person from our current year 2026 will be dropped into a new fantasy world. With the subtitle, Or That Time I Got Reincarnated in An Improv Show, the show’s performers commit to creating that different world freshly during each performance.
According to Pork Filled Productions’ Executive Director Roger Tang, this new collaboration brings PFP back to its 1990s roots in sketch comedy, and is just the latest initiative in the ongoing partnership between PFP and Jet City Improv. “We originally began working together to present the very first iteration of Joy Market,” Tang recounted, “an all-Asian American improv and sketch show in 2023 that evolved Jet City’s growth into all sectors of the Puget Sound population.”
The idea for Not Another Isekai!! originated last year, when Yichao proposed the idea to the Jet City Improv leadership. “I have done performances that invited non-improviser guests on stage before, and loved the opportunity to explore and celebrate the life of a stranger in an improvised form,” Yichao explained. “We get to see someone go on a cozy adventure just outside of their comfort zone, a recipe that provides rich opportunities for comedy and goofiness but also genuine feelings and growth.”
As in many video games featuring fantasy worlds, each performance may include a selection of quests, prophecies, magic, monsters, and villains. Choices are made onstage in real-time, taking both the performers and the audience on a new journey during each show. “Directing an improv show is always a delightful challenge, because what you’re crafting isn’t the exact lines or stories that will happen each night, but rather the framework, structure, and emotional heart of the show,” Yichao said.
Instead of starting with a script and directing the actors to fulfill specific movements on stage, Yichao’s role as director is more that of a coach. “I view my job as reflecting our performers’ intentions back to them, helping them bridge the gap between the stories they’re trying to tell and what we as the audience are taking away,” he elaborated. His focus is on building each performer’s confidence, so that they can take whatever occurs on stage and improvise the next move.
Supportive specialization is the key to the collaboration between PFP and Jet City Improv, as well. “While Jet City handles the onsite logistics of putting on an improv show, PFP is handling recruitment in the Asian American community and promotion that keeps Asian American community members in mind,” Tang said.
The cast includes performers Chris Wong, Kendall Uyeji, Liz Liu, Saina Hussain, and Simon Tran, among others. “We cast this show via auditions in March of this year, and are thrilled to have a diverse and talented cast that will bring a bespoke fantastical adventure to life for each of our special guests,” Yichao enthused. “Along with the host of the show, each night will see four of our eight-person cast on stage.”
While each night’s special guest will be, like each new world itself, a surprise, Yichao did offer a few hints. The guests may include Magic: The Gathering designers, drag queens, musical duos, local celebrity improvisers, visiting out-of-state comedians, former KING 5 anchors, and theatre and artistic directors. “We’re so thrilled to get to showcase the rich and robust communities of Seattle,” Yichao added.
And Tang noted that Not Another Isekai!! is just the lead-in ahead of a week-long Asian Community Arts Festival in June. “We’re presenting a wide variety of performing artists drawn from the Asian American community,” Tang shared, “ranging from beatbox artist Beatbox Panda, to launching Joy Market as a quasi-independent group, to a night of musical theatre cabaret.” PFP will post more information about these upcoming events on its website in the coming weeks.
Not Another Isekai!! runs from May 7 to 30 at West of Lenin Theatre, 203 North 36th Street, Seattle.
