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

  • 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!

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

    Isaac stirringly traces a century of Korean history with characters who recount ancient folks tales to console, explain, or simply draw attention away from the grief and hardship which has affected the Korean peninsula and its people. His storytelling is magical, candid, and very funny. Highly recommended!

    Isaac stirringly traces a century of Korean history with characters who recount ancient folks tales to console, explain, or simply draw attention away from the grief and hardship which has affected the Korean peninsula and its people. His storytelling is magical, candid, and very funny. Highly recommended!

    ”

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
      Female,
      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
      Female,
      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
      Female,
      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
      Female,
      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
      Male,
      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
      Male,
      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
      Male,
      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