Modern Korean Drama

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Showcasing both the fantastic and realistic innovations of Korean dramatists during a time of rapid social and historical change (1962 to 2004), the seven plays in this collection tackle major subjects, such as the close of the Choson dynasty and the aftermath of the Korean War, while delving into trenchant cultural issues, such as the marginalization of students who rebel against mainstream education and the role of traditional values in a materialistic society. Richard Nichols opens with a general overview of modern Korean drama since 1910 and concludes with an appendix describing theater production and audience attendance in Seoul. He situates each work critically, historically, and culturally, including brief biographies of playwrights and extensive notes. A bibliography also provides alternative readings and the titles of additional plays currently available in English. Primed for production, these skillful translations provide Western directors with exciting new material for the stage, while offering students and scholars a sophisticated survey of the modern Korean dramatic tradition.