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마리아 마리아
Maria Maria (마리아 마리아) is a Korean original musical inspired by the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, reinterpreting her journey from exploitation to redemption through her encounter with Jesus.
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SOURCE
religious
SETTING
Foreign
BOOK
original
Productions in Korea
2003.08 Yeollin Geugjang (Seoul)
2004.12 🔴 KEPCO Art Center (Seoul)
2005.11 Naru Arts Center Grand Theater (Seoul)
2006.12 🔴 Seoul Arts Center Towol Theater (Seoul)
2007.08 🔴 Chungmu Arts Center Grand Theater (Seoul)
2010.05 Myeongbo Art Hall, Gaon Hall (Seoul)
2012.11 Theater Yong, National Museum of Korea (Seoul)
2016.03 🔴 Kwanglim Arts Center BBCH Hall (Seoul)
🔴 = Large-scale production
SYNOPSIS
(Full Synopsis)
Set in the time of Jesus in ancient Judea, the musical unfolds within a rigid religious society where power structures exploit the vulnerable, centering on a woman used as a tool in political and religious conflict.
Maria, a temple slave and dancer, lives under the control of religious authorities who manipulate faith for power and profit. Seeking freedom from her degraded existence, she agrees to a scheme by the priests to seduce Jesus, with the promise of liberation and a new life in Rome.
However, Maria fails to carry out the plan. Instead, she is accused of adultery and condemned to death by stoning. At the moment of execution, Jesus intervenes with the words, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” saving her life.
This encounter transforms Maria. For the first time, she experiences unconditional acceptance and compassion. She abandons her former life and follows Jesus, ultimately remaining by his side through suffering and death.
The musical frames Maria’s transformation as both personal redemption and a broader reflection on human need for salvation, love, and forgiveness beyond institutional religion.
PRODUCTION NOTE
Maria Maria premiered in 2003 as a small-scale production and quickly gained popularity through word of mouth. The role of Maria became strongly associated with actress Kang Hyo-sung, whose performance drove the show’s early success and earned major awards. The musical expanded into larger venues over time and underwent revisions, including structural tightening and character development in later productions. It is notable for placing Maria—not Jesus—at the dramatic center of the narrative.
REFERENCES
Synopsis Sources
OhmyNews Article
https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0000141415
YES24 Article
https://ch.yes24.com/Article/Details/30516
Articles & Reviews
PlayDB Detail
https://m.playdb.co.kr/Play/Detail/16906
JoongAng Article
https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/4178853
GoodNews Article
https://www.goodnews1.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=65110
Related Pages (Musicals of Korea)
Maria Maria Overseas Page
https://www.musicalsofkorea.com/k-musicals-in-the-west2/200609-maria-maria
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