A contemporary stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma” opens in Seoul under the production of Get in the Van Productions. The play centers on Emma Woodhouse, portrayed by Jessica Kwen, who describes the character as witty and capable of acknowledging her mistakes. Director Holly Lana Wright says the story resonates with younger audiences, describing Emma as relatable to “MZ women,” while also reflecting themes that feel enduring. Both the production’s creative team and Kwen link Emma’s meddling and restlessness to the constraints faced by women in her original society, including the lack of permitted occupations and limited access to personal fulfillment.
The production is based on a 2022 script by American playwright Kate Hamill, who is known for reworking classic novels for modern theater. Wright characterizes Hamill’s approach as “unruly,” with frequent fourth-wall breaks and melodramatic flair. Kwen adds that Hamill encourages anachronisms, and she incorporates personal cultural influences into her performance, drawing on Korean American upbringing for movements and expressions.
