by Jooyoung Cho, Production Dramaturg
“It is hard to keep a distance from the play.” This sentiment was among the first exchanges Seoyoung (Jane) and I shared as we reflected on The Heart Sellers.
This play resonates deeply with me, forging connections to my life and the lives of those I hold dear. As an international student who arrived in the United States with four large suitcases just a few years ago, I see fragments of myself in Jane and Luna. Within them, I also glimpse my mother and her sisters—my aunts—women of immense imagination yet constrained by opportunities far more limited than those of their male siblings. I see my grandmother too, born in 1920, who raised seven children, endured the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and successive dictatorships, and now awaits the celebration of her 105th birthday. Her words echo in my memory: “Jooyoung, study hard, because the one thing no one can take from you is the knowledge in your mind.” And then, there are my friends—women who carry the legacy of those who came before us. Together, they have taught me, and continue to teach me, the meaning of sisterhood, endurance, and resilience.
What I cherish most about this play is its inclusivity—a space carved for everyone. Though the political contexts we inhabit differ across time and place, Lloyd Suh’s story of South Korean and Filipino women transcends boundaries. Their laughter, shared meals, dances, and plans for tomorrow brighten even the darkest tunnels, proving them never entirely dark.
The declaration of martial law in South Korea on December 3, 2024—a state thankfully lifted within hours—served as a stark reminder that the stories and themes of The Heart Sellers are far from relegated to history. In that moment, I found myself deeply grateful for the presence of friends like Jane and Luna. One devastated friend of mine shared a line from Pericles she had seen days earlier: “Your presence glads our days.” That line, coupled with the embrace we exchanged, remains unforgettable.
I hope the stories of Jane and Luna will invite the audience to reflect on the warmth and kindness that the presence of others brings into their lives. Finally, I extend my gratitude to the women who have stood by me in both my brightest and darkest moments. I am here because of you.
