Seoul City Sue

by Kenjiro Lee

In Korean War-era Seoul, an American woman spouts North Korean radio propaganda as the voice of “Seoul City Sue”. In a year not too far in the past, a Korean-American writer grapples with identity and isolation in the face of global catastrophe. Inspired by true events, Seoul City Sue spans decades of history, as well as history that feels like decades but in reality was only about a year or so.

In Korean War-era Seoul, an American woman spouts North Korean radio propaganda as the voice of “Seoul City Sue”. In a year not too far in the past, a Korean-American writer grapples with identity and isolation in the face of global catastrophe. Inspired by true events, Seoul City Sue spans decades of history, as well as history that feels like decades but in reality was only about a year or so.

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Seoul City Sue

Recommended by

  • Alexandra Haddad: Seoul City Sue by Kenjiro Lee
    “

    An intimate documentary theatre play that analyzes two particularly peculiar moments in history: when Korea split in two during the Korean War, and when the United States went into lockdown during the 21st century pandemic. It's funny, sincere, tragic, and fascinating.

    An intimate documentary theatre play that analyzes two particularly peculiar moments in history: when Korea split in two during the Korean War, and when the United States went into lockdown during the 21st century pandemic. It's funny, sincere, tragic, and fascinating.

    ”

Character Information

  • Anna
    An American woman stuck in Seoul at the start of the Korean War.
    20-53
    White
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • K
    A playwright stuck at home during a global pandemic.
    22
    Asian -- Korean
    Assigned male at birth
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • M
    A theater producer who tries to keep her hands busy during the great global hiatus.
    27
    Asian -- Korean
    Cis female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Lantern Library and Storytelling Festival, 2023
  • Workshop, Paper Kraine Productions, 2023
  • Reading, The Citadel of Playwrights, 2020