The highly anticipated play Anna X, which dramatizes the infamous story of fake heiress Anna Sorokin, is set to make its Korean debut on January 28. This theatrical adaptation explores the extraordinary real-life con that captivated New York’s elite, shedding light on the blurred lines between digital identity and reality.

First staged in London’s West End in 2021, Anna X is inspired by Sorokin’s shocking story, popularized in Korea through the Netflix series Inventing Anna. The play delves into how technological advancements have made identity manipulation increasingly accessible, examining the societal consequences of such deceptions. The lens of Anna’s elaborate fraud poses sharp questions about the nature of identity in a world where digital personas often overshadow reality.

The Korean production boasts a stellar cast and creative team. Actors Choi Yeon Woo, Han Ji Eun, and Kim Do Yeon will alternate in the role of Anna, whose charm and confidence mask a web of lies. Lee Sang Yeop, Lee Hyun Woo, and Won Tae Min play Ariel, a character drawn into Anna’s deceitful world only to face a shattering revelation.

Directed by Kim Ji Ho, a veteran known for introducing international works like Deathtrap and Old Wicked Songs to Korean audiences, the production also features the skillful translation of Hwang Seok Hee, praised for his ability to capture nuance across genres. Kim emphasized the play’s relevance: "Social media allows individuals to curate and share meticulously edited versions of their lives. The story of Anna provides a critical perspective on a society addicted to idealized truths.”

Anna X will run until March 16 at the U+ Stage of LG Arts Center Seoul in Gangseo District. With its compelling storyline and powerful performances, the play promises to spark conversations about authenticity, deception, and the modern pursuit of identity.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com