Hongbu and Nolbu: The Tale of the Magic Pumpkins

By Jean Yoon

A play with puppets. After their parents die, brothers Hongbu and Nolbu both marry and live in the same house. Nolbu, being the older brother, kicks Hongbu and his family out of the house. Hongbu and his family starve because Nolbu kept all the food and money. Though poor, Hongbu is kind and generous. One day he rescues an injured swallow and nurtures her back to health. To express her gratitude, the swallow queen gives Hongbu a magical pumpkin seed. The pumpkins provide him with food and wealth. When Nolbu learns that his brother is now rich, he tries to do the same by attacking the swallow and pretending to rescue it. But his greed earns him three bad magic pumpkins instead, and he is left without food nr money. Hongbu forgives his brother and take in the family. Nolbu promised to learn from Hongbu; to be generous and kind to others.

About Playwright(s)

Self-identity

Country of publication

Cast Information

Cultural background of characters

Total number of characters

Minimum number of actors

Female roles

Male roles

Transgender roles

-

Non-Binary Gender Non-Conforming roles

-

Gender unespecified roles

Age of characters

Actor-Friendly Parts

Monologue level

-

Monologue details

-

Scene level

-

Scene details

-

Production and Publication

First produced

2005, Young People's Theatre, Toronto

Publication year

2012

Published by

Duke University Press

ISBN

9780822352532

Included in Seven contemporary plays from the Korean diaspora in the Americas / edited by Esther Kim Lee. NOTE FROM READER: This TYA play was originally performed by four actors playing multiple roles. Many of the characters are delivered in mask, reflecting the style of the Korean Farmers Dance Dramas. The children are corn- husk dolls animated by the actors. The tone of the play is light, whimsical, and folksy. Could possibly be explored in a physical theatre class. Sound design is also an important element in this play, as Korean musical instruments and actors doing "live sound effects" are preferred.

Included in Seven contemporary plays from the Korean diaspora in the Americas / edited by Esther Kim Lee. NOTE FROM READER: This TYA play was originally performed by four actors playing multiple roles. Many of the characters are delivered in mask, reflecting the style of the Korean Farmers Dance Dramas. The children are corn- husk dolls animated by the actors. The tone of the play is light, whimsical, and folksy. Could possibly be explored in a physical theatre class. Sound design is also an important element in this play, as Korean musical instruments and actors doing "live sound effects" are preferred.

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