Gaia House presents 'The Comfort Woman'.
In South Korea, young Minja lives a sheltered life in her remote village, unaware of the ongoing war. But her innocence is shattered when she is deceived and kidnapped by the Japanese Army during World War II, forced into unimaginable servitude. "The Comfort Woman" tells Minja's story, depicting the harrowing events inflicted upon her, and her fierce will to survive. This poignant performance depicts the resilience of Minja/women through the darkest of times, shedding light on a painful chapter of history.
The Comfort Woman is a powerful and heart-wrenching portrayal of one woman's resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering, shedding light on a dark chapter of history that demands remembrance and recognition.
Ahead of performances at Lambeth Fringe we spoke to the Gaia House team to learn more.
What can you tell me about your show?
The Comfort Woman, is a powerful and emotionally charged solo performance that sheds light on a lesser-known yet critical chapter of WWII history. Through the gripping storytelling of South Korean actress Minjeong and direction from Kate Elliott, the play follows Minja’s journey, a young girl whose life is violently uprooted when she’s deceived and forced into servitude by the Japanese Army. Minjeong Kim’s performance captures both the tragic loss of innocence and the resilience of the human spirit. At its heart, it’s a story of survival, strength, and the silenced voices of women who endured unimaginable suffering.
The Comfort Woman, is a powerful and emotionally charged solo performance that sheds light on a lesser-known yet critical chapter of WWII history. Through the gripping storytelling of South Korean actress Minjeong and direction from Kate Elliott, the play follows Minja’s journey, a young girl whose life is violently uprooted when she’s deceived and forced into servitude by the Japanese Army. Minjeong Kim’s performance captures both the tragic loss of innocence and the resilience of the human spirit. At its heart, it’s a story of survival, strength, and the silenced voices of women who endured unimaginable suffering.
How would you describe the style of the show?
The style of The Comfort Woman is minimalist yet deeply impactful, with South Korean performer Minjeong Kim taking centre stage in a gripping one-woman performance. The show strips away the distractions of elaborate set design, relying instead on Minjeong’s powerful storytelling as Minja and raw emotional depth to convey the complexities of the narrative. Director Kate Elliott uses subtle shifts in tone, movement, and voice to transport the audience through different characters and places, evoking the intensity of Minja’s journey. This intimate setup, combined with Minjeong’s cultural authenticity and skill, creates a profoundly personal and immersive experience, where every moment feels immediate and deeply felt.
The style of The Comfort Woman is minimalist yet deeply impactful, with South Korean performer Minjeong Kim taking centre stage in a gripping one-woman performance. The show strips away the distractions of elaborate set design, relying instead on Minjeong’s powerful storytelling as Minja and raw emotional depth to convey the complexities of the narrative. Director Kate Elliott uses subtle shifts in tone, movement, and voice to transport the audience through different characters and places, evoking the intensity of Minja’s journey. This intimate setup, combined with Minjeong’s cultural authenticity and skill, creates a profoundly personal and immersive experience, where every moment feels immediate and deeply felt.
How have you approached developing the piece?
Minjeong’s Answer:
In developing The Comfort Woman, I approached it with deep care and responsibility. I immersed myself in learning the real stories of women who were taken, researching their experiences and the historical context. Given it’s a one-woman show, I’ve focused on using my body and voice to convey Minja’s emotional journey, shifting between her innocence, fear, and resilience. With minimal set, I rely on performance to bring her world to life and connect with the audience on a personal level.
Minjeong’s Answer:
In developing The Comfort Woman, I approached it with deep care and responsibility. I immersed myself in learning the real stories of women who were taken, researching their experiences and the historical context. Given it’s a one-woman show, I’ve focused on using my body and voice to convey Minja’s emotional journey, shifting between her innocence, fear, and resilience. With minimal set, I rely on performance to bring her world to life and connect with the audience on a personal level.
How do you prepare for a performance?
Minjeong’s Answer:
Since it's a solo show, I also take time to centre myself mentally, reconnecting with the character’s emotions. I often revisit key moments in the script, focusing on the transitions between Minja’s innocence, fear, and resilience. Visualising the set and the spaces I’m creating on stage helps me stay connected to the story, and I always take a quiet moment to reflect before stepping into Minja’s world.
If your show was a biscuit, what would it be and why?
*Hardtack*: This plain, tough biscuit was traditionally used by soldiers during times of war. It represents the harsh realities of life during conflict, and just like the play, it’s not about comfort but about survival in the face of adversity.
*Hardtack*: This plain, tough biscuit was traditionally used by soldiers during times of war. It represents the harsh realities of life during conflict, and just like the play, it’s not about comfort but about survival in the face of adversity.
Give me a random fact about you/the show?
Minjeong Kim wrote The Comfort Woman, and it was directed, produced and put on in The Rosemary Theatre with the tight deadline of only 8 weeks to boost Minjeong’s application for a global talent visa application, so that she could remain in the UK. She received the right to stay before the first run of the play was over.
Minjeong Kim wrote The Comfort Woman, and it was directed, produced and put on in The Rosemary Theatre with the tight deadline of only 8 weeks to boost Minjeong’s application for a global talent visa application, so that she could remain in the UK. She received the right to stay before the first run of the play was over.
What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing the show?
We hope the audience takes away a profound sense of empathy and awareness about a painful chapter in history that is often overshadowed. This story and performance is designed to foster a connection to the past, honouring the memory of those who suffered, and encouraging reflection on how such injustices continue to impact our world today.
Where can audiences see the show?
At the King’s Head Theatre, 116, Upper Street, N1 1QN, on Sunday the 22nd of September at 18:00.
At the Lambeth Fringe, The Bread & Roses Theatre, 68 Clapham Manor St, London SW4 6DZ Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th October at 1:00pm
At the King’s Head Theatre, 116, Upper Street, N1 1QN, on Sunday the 22nd of September at 18:00.
At the Lambeth Fringe, The Bread & Roses Theatre, 68 Clapham Manor St, London SW4 6DZ Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th October at 1:00pm
TEAM:
Director: Kate Elliott
Producer: Antje Mangeant
Written and Starring: Minjeong Kim
Technician: Valentin Burwell
Tickets are available from https://lambethfringe.com/events/the-comfort-woman
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