Korean-Language Play 'The Cherry Orchard' Sells Out in New York Without Need for Subtitles

[Anchor]

A Korean-language play has taken the stage in New York, the heart of global performing arts. The performances sold out early, drawing enthusiastic standing ovations from the audience.

Here is correspondent Kim Hyunwoo from New York.

[Reporter]

This is the Park Avenue Armory theater, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York.

Often referred to as a sanctuary for contemporary art in New York, the venue is currently hosting a play performed entirely in Korean.

Anton Chekhov's final play, which tells the story of a family declining amid rapid changes of the era, has been reimagined as a story set in 21st-century Seoul.

This marks the first time a Korean production has been staged at this venue, which has traditionally showcased works by world-renowned artistic masters.

Local audience interest was intense, with all tickets for the 11 scheduled performances already sold out.

As the curtain rose, Korean actors delivered continuous dialogue in Korean inside a massive, transparent glass house on stage.

[I will set my pride aside for a moment and apologize to you. I am sorry. I am sorry. I am sorry.]

English subtitles were provided simultaneously on both sides of the stage.

The audience quickly immersed themselves in the production, watching the performances of actor Jeon Do-yeon, a winner of the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, and actor Park Hae-soo, familiar to many from Squid Game.

Laughter erupted during a scene where the main character talks about New York, where she lived before returning to Seoul.

When the nearly three-hour performance concluded, the 1,200-seat auditorium erupted in a standing ovation.

[Jeon Do-yeon / Actor: The audience's response was deeply satisfying, and when I heard the sound of the applause at the very end, I almost burst into tears.]

It was a stage that demonstrated how language barriers are no longer an obstacle in theater.

[Corey / New York: There were moments where I didn't look at the subtitles at all and could understand everything just by watching the actors. That is what theater is all about.]

Local media have also praised the production, which reimagines the Russian classic with a Korean backdrop, with The Wall Street Journal describing it as a phenomenal performance.

(Camera filming: Lee Hee-hoon, Video editing: Kim Ho-jin)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.