This show is different every day, with a main show that comes from a range of monologues and on the final day of the run (9th August) will comprise of two special short pieces (No Where and Les Bonnes, a translation of The Maids). This is a great introduction to live Korean drama.
On the day of review the show comprised three different monologues, one each from different performers, all with the theme of exploring the artistry that lives within the heart of theatre and performance itself - the idea of what the stage means.
The first, Made in Hong Kong, set during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and spoken in English, Cantonese and Korean, has a reporter exploring her heritage within an awareness of the impending handover of Hong Kong to China, and what it means in how she and others will fit within that new world. It explores the impact of identity, how a country and its people can be seen on the world stage; talking about a time that is often forgotten now but had a major impact on those within it. While the story jumps back and forth, which leads to some confusion on the through-line, it is a fascinating time period to hear about.
The second show, Ophelia, explores the life of a creative, what it means to experience life on stage and how that impacts anyone as a creative person when the stage no longer asks for you. It is not simply part of life: it is something that you are always connected to, but it does leave its mark. The writing is lyrical and impactful, drawing us into the on-stage world.
The third and final show, The Romance Stage, explores when a creative feels they are part of the stage and when they are not; when sometimes it feels that there has been an abonnement of you as an artist if you do not meet the current criteria/popular drive, but that the call and drive to be part of the stage is always there. Anyone who has ever felt edged out of their current job, role or place in life, will find something to connect to and identify with.
The latter two monologues are spoken in Korean with translations on screen. The exploration of the creative journey is honest and raw. While at times it felt like there could be a little more in direction to enhance the text further and the onstage journeys, this look at the heart of artistry and what it means in how any creative fits into the world on and off stage, is one that is not often explored and is to be celebrated.
Show Time: 7-9 Aug @ 12:50
Running time: 50 mins
Ticket Prices: £8-£10
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/-mono-drama-edinburgh-collection
Age Suitability: 14+ (Guideline); Space accessibility: accessible entry: through wheelchair access entrance, then on same level. Wheelchair access type: level access, lift (building lift). Stairs: none. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Babes in arms policy: babies are required to have a complimentary ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years.