The Play Most Desired by Audiences: 'Jossi Goa, Seeds of Revenge'

National Theater Company 70th Anniversary Production... Performances at Myeongdong Arts Theater from June 25 to July 26

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The National Theater Company will perform "The Orphan of the Jo Family, the Seed of Revenge" at Myeongdong Arts Theater from June 25 to July 26.

"The Orphan of the Jo Family, the Seed of Revenge" was selected as the number one "most wanted play to see at the National Theater Company" in a viewer survey conducted to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National Theater Company. It was included in this year's 70th anniversary lineup. The survey covered not only the National Theater Company's repertoire but also all existing theatrical works. A total of 4,052 people participated, and "The Orphan of the Jo Family, the Seed of Revenge" topped the list by an overwhelming margin.

"The Orphan of the Jo Family, the Seed of Revenge" is a work adapted and directed by director Ko Seon-ung from a classic play written by Chinese Yuan Dynasty playwright Ji Junxiang. It was first staged in 2015. Immediately after its premiere, it swept various theater awards including the Dong-A Theater Award, Korea Theater Awards, Best 3 Plays of the Year, and Best 7 Performances of the Year. After the premiere, it was performed at the National Huaju Theater in Beijing, China, in October 2016, and was staged consecutively at Myeongdong Arts Theater in 2017 and 2018, receiving great love from audiences. This year's performance also attracted attention by selling out all 28 shows within one day after ticket sales began on the 3rd.

Performance scene from the play 'Jo's Orphan, The Seed of Revenge'
Photo by National Theater

Actors who have led the popularity of the play since the 2015 premiere, such as Ha Seong-gwang as the protagonist "Jeong-yeong" and Jang Du-i as the villain "Do An-go," will appear in this season's performances as well. Do An-go is a character who annihilates the Jo family to seize power, and Jeong-yeong is a rural doctor who deceives and raises the last bloodline of the Jo family, the "orphan," as his own son "Jeong-bal."

This year, "The Orphan of the Jo Family, the Seed of Revenge" seeks new changes with double casting. Hosan and Kim Jeong-ho are cast as General Ha Jang-gun Han Gwol, who gives up wealth and honor for loyalty, and Lee Hyung-hoon and rookie Hong Sa-bin are cast as the Orphan of the Jo Family, adding freshness to the production.

Tickets for "The Orphan of the Jo Family, the Seed of Revenge" can be reserved on the National Theater Company's website, Interpark, and Yes24, and the performance will be held with a "social distancing seating system." After the performance ends on June 28, a "Conversation with the Artist" is scheduled, and Chinese subtitles will be provided every Thursday and English subtitles every Sunday.

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