Directed by Michael Boyd, this unusual and thought-provoking play is a funny yet sensitive story of two lonely souls in Seoul.
Photo © Simon Annand
It is a love story set against two cultures. Guk Minsung (London Kim) is a “goose father”, a Korean man whose wife and daughter have moved to America in search of a better life.
He lives in a small cupboard like apartment and sends all available funds to his family whilst yearning to be in touch with his daughter Heejin (Jessie Baek).
He meets Yoo Nanhee (Chuja Seo) via a dating site. She is a young woman who has defected from North Korea and is haunted by nightmares and memories of the father she left behind, beautifully captured by Rick Keisewetter.
Whilst their souls seek intimacy and love, their lives revolve around dating sites, highly invasive social media and internet searches.
The chorus work of the excellent cast bringing advertisements and “chats” to life with irritating charm and satire.
It is without question a highly original play, it is dark and at times absurd but highly engaging throughout.
London Kim and Chuja Seo bring a wish to have something better, to escape and yet belong against all odds.
Their central roles being only examples of the many in the city striving to feel like they have a purpose.
Performances are razor-sharp, the wit is acerbic and brutal. The desire to flush the waterproof mobile down the toilet just a wonderful example of how impossible it is to block the internet and the world out of his apartment.
There is a huge heart in this story, it is complex and brings a culture clash into the spotlight.
It is an important piece of theatre that is hugely successful due to the directorial precision and outstanding cast.
The play leaves a lasting impression, the conclusion of the piece somewhat surprising and revealing.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Wild Goose Dreams, by Hansol Jung and directed by Michael Boyd, is showing at the Ustinov Studio in Bath until Saturday 21st December 2019.
For more information and tickets, visit the Theatre Royal website.
