Korean Play ‘Two Women of Paris’ Performed in Kazakhstan

Astana, Kazakhstan – A collaborative theatrical production, “Two Women in Paris,” premiered in Astana on February 14th and February 15th, bringing together actors from South Korea, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The play, staged at the Kazakhstan State Musical and Drama Theater, explores themes of independence, memory, and the intersection of historical and literary figures.

The production features a dialogue between Na Hye-seok, a pioneering Korean female artist and independence activist, and a fictionalized version of Ranevskaya, a character from Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” According to promotional materials, the play uses this juxtaposition to examine the meaning of independence through individual experiences and the weight of the past.

The international collaboration highlights growing cultural ties between the three nations. The production received support from the Korean Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, underscoring the diplomatic and cultural significance of the project. The play’s duration is approximately 180 minutes, including an intermission.

This production arrives as Kazakhstan continues to foster its cultural connections with both East Asia and Russia. The country’s unique position as a bridge between these regions makes it a natural venue for such collaborative artistic endeavors. The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, has been a key driver of intercultural dialogue and cooperation within the country.

Meanwhile, in Almaty, the State Academic Korean Musical Comedy Theater is currently touring with its production, “Life – History of Unity.” This long-running show, which premiered in 2022, traces the major milestones of the Korean community in Kazakhstan, blending theater, dance, and music. The production director, Ekaterina Pen, explained that the play embodies history through the character of the “Girl-History,” whose journey reflects the experiences of the Korean people in Kazakhstan. Pen also highlighted the symbolic role of “Mother-Earth,” representing the Kazakh land and its welcoming embrace of the Korean community.

The Korean Theatre of Kazakhstan, established in 1932, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating Korean theatre troupe globally, even predating those within Korea itself. Relocated to Almaty in 1968 and its current building in December 2003, the theatre serves as a vital cultural hub for the Koryo-saram community – ethnic Koreans of the former Soviet Union. All performances are presented in Korean, with simultaneous translation into Russian.

The theatre’s commitment to preserving the Koryo-mar dialect, a unique linguistic heritage of the Koryo-saram, is central to its mission. The theatre currently employs 96 people, roughly half of whom are performers. Traditional Korean performances are held every Saturday, and plays cover a diverse range of topics, including the Korean independence movement, the stories of Korean heroes like Hong Beom-do, and historical Korean narratives.

The Korean Theatre also benefits from international support, notably a Seoul Metropolitan Government-branded bus donated by former Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak, used to transport audience members. This gesture underscores the ongoing connection between the Korean diaspora in Kazakhstan and their ancestral homeland.

A recent production at the Korean Theatre, which opened on September 23rd, focused on the deportation of Koryo-saram and the life of Hong Beom-do, a Korean independence fighter. The play reportedly enjoyed consistent sell-out performances and was also staged in various locations throughout South Korea, demonstrating its resonance with audiences on both sides of the border.

The confluence of these theatrical events – “Two Women in Paris” in Astana and “Life – History of Unity” and ongoing performances at the Korean Theatre in Almaty – underscores a vibrant period for Korean arts and culture in Kazakhstan. These productions not only entertain but also serve as important vehicles for preserving cultural heritage, fostering intercultural understanding, and exploring complex historical narratives.

The Kazakh capital, Astana, is also seeing increased cultural exchange, as evidenced by the TikTok video showing a woman playing the dombra, a traditional Kazakh instrument, in Paris. While seemingly unrelated, this highlights the broader trend of Kazakh cultural promotion internationally.