A Seoul staging of Ronald Harwood’s play The Dresser, set in 1942 Britain during WWII, opened at the Daloreum Theater. The story follows an aging lead actor “the Master” whose memory falters shortly before a performance, and his devoted dresser Norman who keeps the production running amid air raids and cast shortages. The 100-minute play (no intermission) blends comic backstage chaos with emotional depth as veteran Korean actors—whose combined careers span 187 years—deliver powerful performances. The production highlights humble supporting roles and the personal struggles of performers who seek meaning beyond public acclaim. Based on Harwood’s own experience as a dresser, the play has returned to Korea multiple times; this season features a new casting twist with longtime lead Song Seung-hwan now playing Norman. Runs through March 1 at the National Theater’s Daloreum Theater.
