The Reigning Belle of the Bluegrass Region

Based on actual events, The Reigning Belle of the Bluegrass Region, is the story of a Kentucky aristocrat, Olivia Buckner, who defied convention to marry a Japanese seminary student, Yutaka Minakuchi, in 1903 in Kentucky. The couple fled Kentucky, but racism followed as they traveled the east coast where Yutaka lectured on the Chautauqua Circuit. Racial prejudice and financial pressures were part of life as they made a family with their half-Japanese son. Despite the challenges, Olivia embraced life with courage, humor, resilience, and love.

Reigning Belle is a one-woman show written and performed by Chicago actress and playwright, Rose Buckner--Olivia Buckner's granddaughter. The performance runs just under 90 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A.