The violence of fairy tales collide with the violence of the times as magical calabashes, singing goblins, sea dragons, and hungry tigers clash and harmonize with soldiers fighting the Occupation, Comfort Women fighting to survive, immigrants and hyphenated Americans in the Korean War and wars to come.
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ONCE UPON A (korean) TIME
Recommended by
Cheryl Bear:
7 Mar. 2021
“
Beautiful, moving and rich storytelling that leaves a memorable and valuable mark on us all. Excellent! ”
Nick Malakhow:
26 Jun. 2019
“
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! ”
David Hansen:
7 Apr. 2019
“
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
BETROTHED/ 1, Woman at the Well 1, King / CAVE PERSON 2 / FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2
Can be played by:
Age:
40s, 50s, 60s
Race/Ethnicity:
Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
Gender:
Female, Non-binary
STORYTELLER
Magical Little Boy, 100 Beggars, 100 Soldiers / 3
Can be played by:
Age:
Teens, 20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
Gender:
Female, Non-binary
STORYTELLER
MODEL WIFE / 2, Woman at the Well 2, Sea Nymph /
BEAR / DAUGHTER
Can be played by:
Age:
Teens, 20s, 30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
Gender:
Female, Non-binary
STORYTELLER
100 Beggars, 100 Soldiers / LADY GWAK / CHEONG
Can be played by:
Age:
30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
Race/Ethnicity:
Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
Gender:
Female, Non-binary
STORYTELLER
Magical Old Man, 100 Beggars, 100 Soldiers / SHIM THE BLIND, Japanese Soldier 3 / CAVE PERSON 1
Can be played by:
Age:
40s, 50s
Race/Ethnicity:
Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
Gender:
Male, Non-binary
STORYTELLER
SOLDIER 1 / Japanese Soldier 1, Sea Men Captain / TIGER