'Agnes of God' Longest-running Korean Play
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'Agnes of God' is a play by John Pielmeier which tells the story of a novice nun who gets impregnated by an unknown entity and gives birth. The newborn is later found dead in a convent room in a wastebasket, asphyxiated.
Two questions--'who killed the baby' and 'who is the father'--make for much of the mystery of the drama. The play also examines the unavoidable questions on the relationship between man and god, religion and science and the cruel realities women must face.
First staged in the United States in 1981, the play received rave reviews from around the world. The play was made into a Hollywood film in 1985, earning Anne Bancroft an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Mother Miriam Ruth. Meg Tilly, who played Sister Agnes in the film, received the New Actress Award.
The play was first staged in Korea in 1982. Celebrated stage actress Yoon Seok-hwa, who was a newcomer at the time, became an overnight star for her role as Sister Agnes. Other actresses have since played the role of Sister Agnes, including Kim Hye-soo, Shin Ae-ra and Jeon Hye-seo. The play also holds the record for the longest-running play, attracting a record number of audience members.
Two questions--'who killed the baby' and 'who is the father'--make for much of the mystery of the drama. The play also examines the unavoidable questions on the relationship between man and god, religion and science and the cruel realities women must face.
First staged in the United States in 1981, the play received rave reviews from around the world. The play was made into a Hollywood film in 1985, earning Anne Bancroft an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Mother Miriam Ruth. Meg Tilly, who played Sister Agnes in the film, received the New Actress Award.
The play was first staged in Korea in 1982. Celebrated stage actress Yoon Seok-hwa, who was a newcomer at the time, became an overnight star for her role as Sister Agnes. Other actresses have since played the role of Sister Agnes, including Kim Hye-soo, Shin Ae-ra and Jeon Hye-seo. The play also holds the record for the longest-running play, attracting a record number of audience members.
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