What I liked
Script—thoughtful and intelligent word plays.
Stage setting—minimalist yet elegantly traditional.
Use of special visual effects—the projection of Chinese and Korean characters were effective.
Acting—superb all around.
What I didn't like
Nothing
My overall impression
Chris Yejin’s exciting new play The King’s Language, the uplifting story behind the invention of hangeul, the vernacular and democratizing Korean alphabet, is rendered as a tight political argument that is at once inspiring, moving, and powerfully comedic. The whole cast puts in a wonderful performance, with Junesoo Ham portraying King Sejong, a Confucian Renaissance man, and Zoe Kim doing some standout acting as a court jester who frequently sings over drums and interacts with the audience. There is a deceptive simplicity to this absolute must-see of a play. It is a short piece that packs an astonishing emotional and intellectual punch through a magical blend of historical reenactment, social theory, comedy, and traditional costumes and music. This is the kind of visionary theater that we need looking forward on the scene in Los Angeles as well as nationally and transpacifically.
