The play 'Dear Teacher Elena,' banned by the former Soviet Union, returns to the stage after 3 years

Opening on June 16 at Hongik University Daehangno Art Center Small Theater

Theater play 'Dear Teacher Elena' 2017 performance photos [Photo by IM Culture Co., Ltd.]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The play "Dear Elena Sergeyevna," which was banned during its 1981 premiere in the former Soviet Union for depicting the collapse of the old era and chaotic ideology, will open on June 16 at the Hongik University Daehangno Art Center Small Theater.

"Dear Elena Sergeyevna" returns to the stage after about three years since its 2017 performance at Art One Theater.

On the evening of high school math teacher Elena Sergeyevna's birthday, four students?Lyalya, Pasha, Vitya, and Valyozha?visit her. The students celebrate Elena's birthday and spend a joyful time together. However, they soon demand the school safe key from Elena, saying they need to alter their exam scores to get into a good university.

"Dear Elena Sergeyevna" was written in 1980 by Lyudmila Razumovskaya, a Latvian-born author from the former Soviet Union. Through the stark conflict between Elena, who strives to uphold conscience and conviction, and the four students who claim they would even make a pact with the devil for their own benefit, the play portrays the tragedy and violence of the infinite competition created by the capitalist era. The drama not only depicts the conflict between Elena and the students but also reveals the power structures among the students themselves and the contradictions and destruction arising from their vested interests.

Banned in the former Soviet Union, this play spread across Europe, receiving acclaim in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond. In South Korea, it has been staged since its premiere in 2007, with performances in 2009, 2012, and 2017.

The 2017 production by IM Culture Co., Ltd. was noted for its solid and meticulous script and perfect stage realization. Elena's apartment, the spatial setting of the play, was positioned at the center of the stage with all sides open, and the audience seats were arranged on both sides of the stage.

Directed by Kim Tae-hyung, who also directed "The Bridges of Madison County," "The Capone Trilogy," "The Man Who Came Back," and "The History Boys."

"Dear Elena Sergeyevna" will run from June 16 to September 6, with a total of 96 performances. The first ticket opening will be held through Interpark Ticket in April.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.