Sayart.net - National Theater Company of Korea Revives Acclaimed Production of “The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge“

Sixth Run of Award-Winning Adaptation at Myeongdong Theater in Seoul, Nov. 30 to Dec. 25

Courtesy of NTCK

The National Theater Company of Korea is staging the sixth run of "The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge" at the Myeongdong Theater in central Seoul from November 30 to December 25. Premiered in 2015, the play is a reinterpretation of the Chinese "Zaju" drama script, originally written by Yuan Dynasty playwright Ji Junxiang.

Directed by Koh Sun-woong, the adaptation focuses on the tragic narrative of a man, Cheng Ying, who sacrifices his child to save the last surviving member of the Zhao family. The plot revolves around General Tu’an Gu's ruthless extermination of the Zhao family and Cheng Ying's concealed motive for revenge. The play explores themes of revenge, the complexities behind vengeance, and the attributes of a good leader. 

▲ Courtesy of NTCK

Koh's 2015 production garnered awards in Korea, including recognition at the 52nd Dong-A Theater Awards. The Korean rendition was also presented at the National Theater of China in Beijing in October 2016. The upcoming run will mark the 100th performance of the production in Seoul, celebrated during the December 2 matinee.

The cast, including long-standing members since the premiere, remains unchanged. Lee Hyong-hun portrays Cheng Bo, Ha Sung-kwang plays Cheng Ying, and Chan Due-yee takes on the role of General Tu’an Gu. Park Seung-hwa joins the cast in a double casting as the Zhao orphan Cheng Bo.

Director Koh and actors Ha and Chan will host a talk session with the audience after the performance on December 10. Korean subtitles will be provided on Mondays and Fridays, Chinese subtitles on Thursdays, and English subtitles on Sundays (excluding December 17).

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