Selected by the International Association of Theater Critics-Korea

“Life is short. May you live with ease and happiness.”

Since its premiere in 2015, The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge has recorded numerous sold-out shows and standing ovations over five successful seasons, thus firmly and unapologetically establishing itself as a representative production in the NTCK’s repertoire. It returns to the stage this autumn to charm audiences once again. In honor of the 100th performance at Myeongdong Theater, director Koh Sun-woong takes a quintessentially humorous and rhythmic approach to unravel the majestic saga. Featuring a cast of both familiar and fresh faces, it brings a sense of warmth to the days leading up to the end of the year. Widely recognized as the crème de la crème of the theatrical world, The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge continues to resonate with audiences through the powerful collaboration of the creative team and the compelling performances of the actors.

“It won the hearts of Chinese audiences with a Chinese story at a Chinese theater!”

- Yang Shen (Chinese playwright & director)

In October 2016, the NTCK brought The Orphan of Zhao: Seeds of Revenge to the National Theatre of China in Beijing. In the country of the original playwright, Junxiang Ji, the performance drew tears and laughter from some 1,300 people in the audience. As the curtain fell, they burst into applause, marking the birth of a timeless masterpiece at the hands of the Korean cast and crew. This new interpretation of the beloved Chinese play is set to continue its inspiring journey in 2023—beyond China’s 1.3 billion population.

This world is a stage for puppets. When we awake after frolicking to the sound of the drum and flute, we realize it was nothing but a short dream.

 

Consumed by his greed for power, General Tu’an Gu ruthlessly exterminates the Zhao family. In a desperate effort to save the sole survivor of the unjustly decimated Zhao clan, the family doctor, Cheng Ying, sacrifices his own child and wife. Cheng Ying gives the Zhao orphan the name Cheng Bo and raises him as his own son. For many years, Tu’an Gu remains under the impression that Cheng Ying is his loyal ally and takes Cheng Bo under his wing. Two decades later, when Cheng Bo comes of age, Cheng Ying reveals the tragic history of the Zhao family and implores the young man to take revenge on Tu’an Gu.

 

Original play by Junxiang Ji

The Yuan Dynasty playwright Junxiang Ji wrote The Orphan of Zhao in the form of zaju drama, based on historical narratives. Of the six zaju plays he wrote, The Orphan of Zhao is the only surviving example. Highly lauded as ‘one of the most powerful tragedies to be shared with audiences worldwide’ in the long history of Chinese drama, it is often dubbed ‘Hamlet of the East’, and various adaptations of the play have been performed around the world.