Kindred. Longing. K-pop-tastic.
Hannah had her trip all planned out. Travel to Korea. Visit her birth mother. Spend a golden summer creating precious memories.
But when she arrives in Seoul reality hits hard. Her Umma works in a convenience store day and night, barely taking a break. She seems more interested in stacking shelves and re-arranging the garden gnome display than connecting with her long-lost Australian daughter.
Hannah is Korean, yet in Umma’s mind, Hannah is a “Koreaboo”—a foreigner captivated by K-Pop, kimchi and hanboks. Armed with only Google Translate and unrelenting optimism, Hannah must try to find a place within Umma’s world before the end of a sweltering summer.
Taking inspiration from real events of Michelle Lim Davidson‘s life (The Feather in the Web, The Newsreader), this profound and heartfelt play marks the writing debut of one of Australia’s most beloved performers. Michelle herself takes to the stage under the direction of Jessica Arthur (The Dictionary of Lost Words), in a reunion story that reaches across continents, cultures and Spotify® playlists.
Director Jessica Arthur
Dramaturg Julian Larnach
Designer Mel Page
Lighting Designer Kate Baldwin
Composer & Sound Designer Brendon Boney
Production Manager Sherydan Simson
Stage Manager Jen Jackson
Design Associate Geita Goarin
With Michelle Lim Davidson, Heather Jeong
La Boite Theatre | Brisbane | 2 – 19 September
BOOK BRISBANE TICKETS
Contact La Boite Theatre
Tel: (07) 3007 8600
Malthouse | Melbourne | 24 September – 10 October
BOOK MELBOURNE TICKETS
Contact Malthouse
Tel: (03) 9685 5111
Email Box Office
Book tickets at laboite.com.au and malthousetheatre.com.au.
Koreaboo contains detailed discussions of inter-country adoption and culturally contextual references to diet and body image. This production also contains theatrical haze and smoke and flashing lights.
Please reach out to the Griffin team if you require any further information or support.
“Michelle Lim Davidson is a gifted comedic actor, and in writing Koreaboo, she has wisely used comedy to portray a heartbreaking story.” ★★★★★—Clare Mulcahy, What’s The Show
“Sharply observed and finely nuanced, Koreaboo proves to be as insightful as it is entertaining.” ★★★★—Suzy Wrong, Suzy Goes See
“Koreaboo is an outstanding exploration of adoptee reconnection, Korean culture, and reclaiming one’s identity.” ★★★★—Manan Luthra, State of the Art
“There is no doubt that this work has a place in the Australian theatre world and something to say about connection to which many people can relate.” ★★★★—Kiran Gupta, Musical Theatre AU
“Mel Page’s very finely, comprehensively detailed set of Umma’s very Korean convenience mart is the third star of the show.” ★★★★—David Kary, Sydney Arts Guide
“Davidson’s performance drives the story forwards; she is watchable, funny and relatable” ★★★★—Sally Lewis, Time Out
“Davidson’s script is sharp and witty, giving both actors punchy lines and moments of real vulnerability that land with the audience.” ★★★★—Natasha Ciesielski, Bacchus at the Theatre
“Jessica Arthur directs with a deft, caring hand, allowing these two accomplished women to find the truth, the emotion and the gentle humour in Davidson’s characters – and their stories”—Carol Wimmer, Stage Whispers
“Koreaboo illustrates what a tyro talent Michelle Lim Davidson is.”—Richard Cotter, Australian Stage
“Davidson, whose lovely, funny and tender script, is brought to life so compellingly under Jessica Arthur’s direction, performs the role of Hannah with moving sincerity.”—Catherine Skipper, South Sydney Herald
“Jeong excels as the brutally honest Soon Hee”—John Shand, The Sydney Morning Herald
“Koreaboo is entertaining as it is emotionally evocative.”—Rose Mitchell, Honi Soit
Koreaboo was developed as part of Griffin Studio, an initiative of Griffin Theatre Company, with support from the Malcolm Robertson Foundation and Griffin Studio donors, and the Griffin Redraft Fund.
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