Simon Stone presents Korean-language “The Cherry Orchard” in New York

Australian director Simon Stone has presented a North American premiere of his Korean-language adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” at the Park Avenue Armory in New York.

In this reimagining, the setting is shifted from Czarist Russia to 2026 Seoul, with New York City serving as the equivalent of Paris. The plot follows Song Do-Young, played by Jeon Do-yeon, a former wealthy scion who returns home after five years. Rather than a simple estate, the characters face the potential loss of a multi-conglomerate organization inherited from their father.

Stone, who expressed a long-standing fascination with Korean cinema and the ability of Korean actors to portray vulnerability, collaborated with dramaturg Yi Danbi on the production. The play features an ensemble cast including Son Sang-kyu as Song Jae-Young.