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Maria Maria

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2003

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.

2003

​Posters included in this archive are embedded solely for documentary and educational purposes.

🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.

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.

POSTER COLLECTION

Poster images are provided for documentation purposes only and link to their original sources. All rights remain with the original creators and producers.

🔴 indicates Seoul large-theatre productions.

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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Last update: March 17, 2026

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