Shim Eun-kyung to Make Her Korean Theater Debut in 'Vanya Uncle'

Shim Eun-kyung, the first Korean actress to win the Best Actress Award at Japan's Kinema Junpo, is set to make her debut on the Korean theater stage.

On the 19th, Shim's agency, PANGPARE, officially announced, "Actress Shim Eun-kyung has confirmed her role as 'Seo Eun-hee (Sonya)' in the National Theater Company's new play 'Vanya Uncle' and will take on her first challenge on the Korean theater stage." Known for her outstanding acting skills, having won Best Actress awards in both Korea and Japan, Shim's decision to venture into theater is drawing significant attention from both the theater and film industries.

The National Theater Company (Director and Artistic Director Park Jeong-hee) presents 'Vanya Uncle' (written by Anton Chekhov, translated by Jang Han, adapted and directed by Jo Kwang-hwa), a reinterpretation of Anton Chekhov's 'Uncle Vanya' with a Korean sensibility. The play, based on the 19th-century original that explores the absurdity of life and human fate with poignant yet light-hearted humor, aims to showcase the enduring relevance of the classic alongside a realistic portrayal of contemporary life.

In this production, Shim Eun-kyung will play the lead role of 'Seo Eun-hee (Sonya),' the niece of 'Park I-bo (Vanya)/played by Jo Sung-ha.' Seo Eun-hee is a character who lives a sincere and hardworking life but struggles with unrequited love and insecurities about her appearance. Through her portrayal of 'Seo Eun-hee,' Shim is expected to add her own delicate touch to the depth of the classic, embodying a character who quietly perseveres through life's hardships.

Ahead of her first Korean theater debut since her 2003 debut, Shim expressed through her agency, "Every project feels like a new challenge, and acting remains difficult. I'm excited yet feel a heavy responsibility to breathe and connect with the audience in the theater space." She added, "I hope to prepare diligently and leave a lasting impression on the audience who come to see the play."

The production also features veteran actors such as Jo Sung-ha, Son Sook, Nam Myung-ryul, Ki Joo-bong, and Jung Kyung-soon, raising anticipation for Shim's collaboration with these seasoned performers. As Shim Eun-kyung continues to build her unique career across borders, her synergy with theater giants is highly anticipated.

Shim Eun-kyung's Korean theater debut in the National Theater Company's 'Vanya Uncle' will be performed from May 22 to 31 at the National Theater's Haeoreum Theater. Tickets are available through the National Theater Company, National Theater, and NOL Ticket websites.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr