Three Actors, Three Stages: Korean Premiere of Fleabag Offers Raw Monologues and Warm Consolation
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Fleabag, the acclaimed one-woman show by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, opened in Korea at Doosan Art Center’s Yeongang Hall through Sept 6 with a unique triple-casting approach. Producers created three completely distinct sets, LED backdrops, lighting cues, and sound designs—one for each actor (Kim Hiera, Kim Juy-eon, Kim Gyunam)—so every performance highlights a different interpretation. The production keeps the original’s blunt, darkly comic monologues—full of sexual slang and profanity—but balances them with moments of deep loneliness and human compassion. Director Ryu Joo-yeon emphasized the show’s intimate honesty and its focus on shared empathy; the team even hired an acting coach to capture the play’s fast-paced comic timing. Each actress used a different staging style: stand-up/comedic props, close-up camera work on LED for raw facial expression, and a cafe set for more narrative confession. Producers defended the costly, unprecedented setup as necessary to honor each actor’s vision. The creative team encourages seeing Fleabag multiple times, since each cast’s version differs and the fourth “Fleabag” becomes the audience’s own experience. (Doosan Art Center: a Seoul performing-arts venue)
