[On Stage] Romance and Loyalty Fill the Empty Stage... A Lively Tale of Revenge

10th Anniversary Performance of "The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge"

The National Theater Company of Korea’s signature repertoire, “The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge,” is a paradoxically lighthearted tale of vengeance. The play is filled with unexpected humor, and its characters pursue justice and romance rather than personal advancement, which softens the brutality of the narrative.

The play opens with Lord Ling, ruler of the Qin dynasty, and his two most trusted subordinates, Tu Angu and Zhao Dun. Tu Angu, who says, “The closer death approaches, the greater one’s greed grows,” seeks to eliminate his political rival Zhao Dun. Zhao Dun’s entire family is annihilated up to nine generations due to Tu Angu’s schemes. However, the infant Zhao Shiguo, Zhao Dun’s grandson whom Tu Angu tries to kill last, survives thanks to the resourcefulness and sacrifice of Cheng Ying, a retainer of the Zhao family. Zhao Shiguo only learns the secret of his birth at the age of twenty and takes revenge on Tu Angu’s family.

National Theater Company of Korea's performance scene from "The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge"
Photo by National Theater Company of Korea

“The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge” is an adaptation of “The Orphan of Zhao” (original by Ji Junxiang), one of China’s four great tragedies, by director Ko Sunwoong, first premiered in 2015. Since its debut, the play has been recognized for its artistic merit, winning the Dong-A Theater Award and the Korea Theater Grand Prize, among others. In a 2019 National Theater Company of Korea survey, it was voted the “most anticipated play” by audiences, reflecting its popularity.

Zhao Dun is portrayed as a man of great virtue. Many people help Cheng Ying to save Zhao Shiguo, willingly risking their own lives. Hajeongwon Hangwol says, “No matter how much I desire fame and fortune, what kind of man would boast about blind achievements? I have lived only in pursuit of loyalty. Even if I die in vain, I shall have no regrets. I lament this world and laugh without attachment,” before taking his own life.

Gongsun Zhegu, who served alongside Zhao Dun, also sacrifices himself to save Zhao Shiguo, saying, “This world is a stage for puppets. As we dance to the sound of drums and flutes, life passes like a fleeting dream. Suddenly, I turn my head and find myself old. If I do not repay kindness or act with righteousness, I will have failed in my final duty.”

National Theater Company of Korea's performance scene from "The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge"
Photo by National Theater Company of Korea

The loyalty upheld by Hangwol and Gongsun Zhegu softens the play’s brutality and adds a romantic allure. The tragic nature of the story, which could have been overshadowed by the characters’ willingness to give up their lives, is heightened in the tale of Cheng Ying, who sacrifices his own son to save Zhao Shiguo. The first act ends with Cheng Ying’s tears over the loss of his son. His restrained yet powerful performance, expressing immense grief through measured lines, is a highlight of the play.

Another charm of “The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge” lies in its stage, which captures the archetypal essence of theater. The stage is empty except for a massive red curtain. While a bare stage can sometimes feel overly minimal and unwelcoming to the audience, this production avoids that impression.

Director Ko Sunwoong effectively conveys the story using only the most minimal props. The way the dead are taken from the stage is particularly striking: a silent figure in black, Mozi, appears, unfolds a black fan in front of the deceased, and then exits the stage with them. Director Ko explained that he envisioned the fan as a kind of curtain, signaling the end of a small act with each character’s death.

National Theater Company of Korea's performance scene from "The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge"
Photo by National Theater Company of Korea

The usually silent Mozi delivers the play’s message in his final line, leaving a strong impression: “May you neither create nor suffer such misfortune, and may you live only in peace. Life passes in an instant; I hope you live it well and leave in peace.”

In a conversation with the audience after the performance on November 23, Director Ko Sunwoong said, “I wanted to convey the theme that revenge does not necessarily bring relief. If revenge must be taken, forgiveness cannot be forced. For the world to become peaceful, it is most important that there is nothing to forgive and no one who needs to be forgiven. Although such a world may seem impossible, I still hope for a world where there is nothing to forgive and no need for forgiveness.”

“The Orphan of Zhao, Seeds of Revenge” will be performed at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea until November 30.

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