"Rosetta" is the result of a unique partnership between:
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The Living Theatre (USA)
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Playfactory Mabangzen (South Korea)
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Yellow Bomb (Producer)
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Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju, South Korea (Venue)
The Living Theatre traveled to S. Korea at the invitation of director/playwright Yossef K. Junghan to develop and present a showcase of ”Rosetta” during our historic 75th year – a revolutionary collaboration that marked our debut on the Asian continent in January 2023. Later that year, we returned to polish the piece for its world premiere on December 8th 2023. Both the showcase and the premiere were hosted at the Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju.
All performers portray Rosetta throughout the play, transcending gender, race, and age, celebrating the universal impact of Rosetta's life and work.
The Living Theatre Ensemble
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Brad Burgess (Artistic Director)
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Tom Walker (50-year company member and archivist)
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Emma Sue Harris (Company dramaturg)
Playfactory Mabangzen Ensemble
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Minsung Kyun
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Kyungsik Won
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Soyeon Lee
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Hari Kim
Additional Collaborators
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Kyung Gu Lee (Renowned dancer and choreographer, co-founder of Goblin Party dance company)
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Do hyuk Jang (Drummer from the progressive band Dongyang Gozupa)
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Big Violin Player “BVP” (Cellist)
The Visionary Behind "Rosetta"
Written and directed by acclaimed South Korean playwright Yossef K. Junghan, "Rosetta" is inspired by his experiences with Judith Malina and The Living Theatre, and it honors medical missionaries that made a difference in the lives of South Koreans like Yossef's grandmother.
Junghan, a renowned director and multiple award winner, including the Best New Play Award from DIMF (Daegu International Musical Theatre Festival) in 2021, has crafted a piece that embodies the spirit of experimental theater.
The Extraordinary Story of Rosetta Sherwood Hall
Set against the backdrop of late 19th century Korea, "Rosetta" tells the inspiring tale of Rosetta Sherwood Hall, an American medical missionary who defied societal norms to bring Western medicine to Korean people and a medical education to Korean women. Her groundbreaking work led to:
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The establishment of the first women's medical college in South Korea
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The introduction of Braille to the continent
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The first skin grafting to ever be done on the continent (as well as countless other surgical interventions never before performed on Koreans)
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Produced by Yellow Bomb, Inc.
An international company dedicated to creating exciting, culture-bridging experiences for audiences worldwide. Under the leadership of Y. Chan Lee, Yellow Bomb is based in Seoul, South Korea and has successfully produced over 100 global events and performances.
