SYNOPSIS

The Devil: Faust reimagines Goethe’s classic tale against the backdrop of 1987 Wall Street during the chaos of Black Monday. John Faust, once a successful stockbroker, loses everything in the market crash and teeters on the brink of despair. At his lowest point, two mysterious figures appear: X-Black, the embodiment of temptation and darkness, and X-White, the guardian of human goodness who believes that no soul is beyond redemption.

In his desperation, Faust strikes a fateful bargain with X-Black, wagering his soul in exchange for wealth, power, and renewed success. Guided by X-Black’s seductive whispers, he climbs back to the top, indulging in greed and excess. But his path changes when he meets Gretchen, a woman whose love offers him a fleeting glimpse of genuine happiness. Torn between ambition and love, Faust betrays her, setting off a spiral of guilt, loss, and self-destruction.

Throughout the story, X-Black and X-White wage an intense battle of wills over Faust’s soul. Gretchen, representing purity and compassion, becomes the key figure in their struggle. As X-Black tempts Faust toward eternal darkness, X-White reminds him of the light and the hope of redemption.

The climax finds Faust standing at the edge of damnation, forced to confront the consequences of his choices. Despite X-Black’s overwhelming power, Gretchen’s selfless love and X-White’s guidance crack open a path to salvation. In the end, Faust seeks forgiveness and embraces the light, forcing X-Black to retreat.


REVIEW

The musical unfolds on a minimalist black stage with two staircases converging at the rear center, creating a striking, almost symbolic visual. From the opening number, the rock-infused score and powerful ensemble vocals generate an intense atmosphere, setting the tone for the struggle between good and evil.

Kim Woo Seong’s Faust begins as a desperate man, convincingly portraying his turbulent journey from financial ruin to reckless ambition. His pact with X-Black, made in a moment of madness, becomes one of the show’s most gripping scenes.

The confrontations between X-Black (Kim Jun-young) and X-White (Paek In-tae) are among the musical’s highlights, enhanced by their stark black-and-white costumes and the clever use of pin lighting. The ensemble, clad in striking black attire reminiscent of fallen angels, swirls around Faust and Gretchen, embodying the evil forces closing in on them.

At first, X-Black seems to dominate, luring Faust deeper into the intoxicating world of money and power. Yet Gretchen’s unwavering devotion and X-White’s quiet whispers begin to fracture his resolve, planting doubt and opening the door to redemption.

The production uses its minimal set effectively, proving that a small theater can deliver big impact when staging and lighting are well executed. The score, blending rock with classical undertones, provides both intensity and emotional depth, perfectly complementing the themes of temptation and salvation.

Korean musicals have increasingly drawn on classic literature to craft engaging modern stories. The Devil: Faust succeeds by transforming Goethe’s tale into a contemporary narrative that resonates with today’s audience. While such a story can risk feeling flat if mishandled, this production keeps the tension alive with its dynamic staging and electrifying music.

With its powerful rock-opera score, sharp imagery, and emotional core, The Devil: Faust is a compelling exploration of ambition, desire, and the eternal question:

What is the price of one’s soul?