ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME

by Daniel K. Isaac

ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME traces the journey of a Korean family from the wars in Korea to the riots in Los Angeles. Told with great humor, irreverence, and elements of magic, ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME uses traditional Korean fables to examine the thorny legacies of war and trauma.

ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME traces the journey of a Korean family from the wars in Korea to the riots in Los Angeles. Told with great humor, irreverence, and elements of magic, ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME uses traditional Korean fables to examine the thorny legacies of war and trauma.

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ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME

Recommended by

  • Jason Wang: ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME by Daniel K. Isaac
    “

    A challenging and comforting ensemble play that reminds us that we are our ancestors wildest dreams. One of my favorite plays of all time!

    A challenging and comforting ensemble play that reminds us that we are our ancestors wildest dreams. One of my favorite plays of all time!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME by Daniel K. Isaac
    “

    Beautiful, moving and rich storytelling that leaves a memorable and valuable mark on us all. Excellent!

    Beautiful, moving and rich storytelling that leaves a memorable and valuable mark on us all. Excellent!

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME by Daniel K. Isaac
    “

    A beautiful piece that ranges from the everyday to the fantastical with seamless shifts. Similarly, we go from the hilarious and whimsical to the heartbreaking and gutting sometimes within a few lines. Brilliantly theatrical storytelling. The various parables and folk tales are presented in unique and fascinating ways, and are stitched together with some very satisfying framing devices. As I finished the piece, I considered cultural inheritance, collective trauma/healing, the evolution of folklore, and the responsibility/inevitability of honoring, acknowledging, and passing lessons down. I...

    A beautiful piece that ranges from the everyday to the fantastical with seamless shifts. Similarly, we go from the hilarious and whimsical to the heartbreaking and gutting sometimes within a few lines. Brilliantly theatrical storytelling. The various parables and folk tales are presented in unique and fascinating ways, and are stitched together with some very satisfying framing devices. As I finished the piece, I considered cultural inheritance, collective trauma/healing, the evolution of folklore, and the responsibility/inevitability of honoring, acknowledging, and passing lessons down. I hope to see this produced soon!

    read more
    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • STORYTELLER "TERESA"
    BETROTHED / 1, Monk, Woman at the Well 1, Sea Nymph, King / CAVE PERSON 2 / TERESA
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • STORYTELLER "JILLIAN"
    MODEL WIFE / 2, Woman at the Well 2, Sea Nymph / JILLIAN
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • STORYTELLER "SASHA"
    Magical Little Boy, 100 Beggars / 3 / BEAR / SASHA
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • STORYTELLER "SONNIE"
    100 Beggars / LADY GWAK / CHEONG
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • STORYTELLER "DAVID LEE"
    SOLDIER 2 / Japanese Soldier 1, Sea Men Captain / TIGER / DAVID LEE
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • STORYTELLER "DAVE"
    Magical Old Man, 100 Beggars / SHIM THE BLIND, Japanese Soldier 3 / CAVE PERSON 1 / DAVE
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • STORYTELLER "JON"
    SOLDIER 1 / Sea Dragon, Japanese Soldier 2 / American Soldier / JON
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Workshop, Ma-Yi Theater Company + MTC's Groundworks Lab, 2021
  • Workshop, Ma-Yi Theater Company, 2021
  • Reading, New York Theatre Workshop, 2019
  • Reading, Ensemble Studio Theatre / Youngblood, NYC, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Ma-Yi Theater Company, 2022

Awards

  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Finalist
    2019
  • Clubbed Thumb’s 2018 Open-Application Commission
    Clubbed Thumb
    Semi-Finalist
    2018