Sometimes, you come across plays that really make you think about your life.
'Night Mother' by American writer Marsha Norman is one of them. It was first performed in 1982, and it quickly became recognized as a modern American classic. In 1983, it won the prestigious Pulitzer award and became one of the mont popular plays on Broadway.
It is set in the kitchen and living room of a small house. It is the house where Thelma and Jessie, who are mother and daughter, live together. One day, Jessie decides that there is no point in continuing to live, and she decides to commit suicide. When she tells her mother about her decision, she doesn't believe her. However, as Jessie starts making preparations to end her life, Thelma begins to worry. As the play reaches its climax, Thelma realizes that her daughter is serious about ending her life, and she tries to stop her from doing such a terrible thing.
The play covers many themes. But mainly, it deals with the meaning of life and death. Jessie asks herself and the audience about our reasons for living. She makes us wonder whether we could ever choose death over life. Also, the relationship between Thelma and Jessie is very complex. And the meaning of family and the mother-daughter relationship is examined.
The play may appear to be gloomy and depressing, but it is surprisingly funny. The performance will be all the more special because the stars are mother and daughter in real-life. Yoon So-jung and Oh Ji-hye are both respected actors. Yoon has starred in many plays and is regarded to be one of Korea's best theater actors. Oh, her daughter, is also a talented actress, and has won several prestigious awards for her work.
The play will run from June 4 to July 25 at Dongsung Art Center in Seoul(02-762-0010)