The play "Hunchback," adapted from the prize-winning novel by Japanese author Saou Ichikawa, delves into the inner desires of Shaka, a character with a rare congenital muscle disease. As the first person with a severe disability to win Japan's Akutagawa Prize, Ichikawa's novel made waves for its candid portrayal of a disabled person's sexual aspirations and societal challenges. Now brought to the stage in Seoul's National Theater, the performance stays true to the novel's narrative style, using direct excerpts as dialogue. Unique casting includes both non-disabled and disabled actors portraying Shaka, highlighting both personal and external facets of the character. Accessibility is a key feature, with sign language interpretation, closed audio descriptions, and Braille program books available during the shows.
