One night, after 30 years apart, a daughter returns to her lonely mother. With a bitter history between them, the two struggle to mend their broken bond ridden in a tragic circumstance. “Maron Doll” explores a difficult relationship and how we can rebuild bridges we thought were long-since burned.
“Maron Doll” is channeled through the deep emotional performances of; Lara Helena, a co-creator, co-writer, actress & producer of 4 Shorts in 4 Days in 2015, (The Long Run, Dispensable Girls, Time Traveler & Sting of the Scorpion), and a web-series, “The Global Hollywood Show”; and Shelly West, a writer, and actress featured in a short film called the “Tuesday Morning.”
The play was written by director and writer, Soo Chyun, who received critical acclaim for “Son of Man” The musical. This musical was performed at the Downey Civic Theatre with an audience of nearly a thousand and also broadcasted live on YouTube worldwide to the audiences from America, Thailand, Australia, and Korea.
Soo Chyun’s 8th production, “Maron Doll” was originally introduced as a 25-minute Korean short story in an anthology known as “The Door,” now featuring as its own localized full-length one-act play. “Maron Doll” made its return to the NOHO Art District in February 2018 and received heartfelt reviews from those who were deeply touched by the story of a mother and daughter’s struggles through abandonment, failure, poverty, and Alzheimer’s disease. This all female cast drama makes its debut at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2018 at the Studio/Stage Theatre in Koreatown.
3 SHOWS ONLY
Sat | June 02 @ 2pm (Preview)
Sat | June 16 @ 4:30pm
Sat | June 23 @ 3:30pm
Maron Doll will strike a chord
“Soo Chyun is a gifted storyteller, here crafting a personal show that will resound in some way with everyone who sees it. Whether or not an audience member has personally known a family member or friend losing control of their mental faculties, Maron Doll will strike a chord. We all have a fear of watching someone we love slowly slip away, and what Soo Chyun so tenderly reminds us is that all we can really do is hold on to whomever might remain and in whatever form they may take.”
Sweet – Cameron Weir
..odd fusion that I have never seen in other shows
“Great show! Reminded me of my mom and to show my love to her =] It was a great mix of Korean mother-daughter relationship and emotions with American culture. It had an odd fusion that I have never seen in other shows.”
Sweet – Courtney Hahm
..raw, emotional, convincing and powerful
“I was thoroughly moved by this play. It reminds us all of how vulnerable we are, regardless of status and wealth. Everything can come crashing down at a moment’s notice. You leave the play in a solemn mood, but determined to live your love fully and never forget what’s really important. The performances are raw, emotional, convincing and powerful. I loved it.”
Sweet – Morten Bay
Phenomenal work by the entire cast and crew
“An astounding piece by veteran writer/director Soo Chyun and an astounding testament to the great chasms of understanding and emotional depth that lie within us all, no matter the individual’s cultural background or language barrier present. Phenomenal work by the entire cast and crew being done to bring this story to life!”
Sweet – Jill Jill
This one will definitely make you shed a tear.
“A very emotional and touching one-act play. Takes the audience in a journey that encompasses sadness and hopefulness. This one will definitely make you shed a tear. Touches on a subject that is relatable to everyone’s life no matter how different or similar your personal story may be. The writing and acting are brilliant. I absolutely recommend it”
Sweet – Johanna S
..this story really touched me in a deep, personal level
“So beautifully written by Soo Chyun and performed by the Ezekiel Theater members. I was crying a bucket-full! This whole story reminded me of my grandmother and my mother so this story really touched me in a deep, personal level.”
Sweet – Lauren Han
It’s a MUST see!
“Super intense performance of the two leading actresses playing mother and daughter! Great connection between them and Lara Helena playing the mother stands out for her amazing honesty, she is breathtaking and so generous..she gives it all! The play is really good in letting you inside the characters’ life and in their mess that it becomes natural and organic to feel for them and be deeply involved. It’s a MUST see! Have fun!”
Sweet – Alessia Franchin
..deliciously heavy
“The Ezekiel Theater Company does not disappoint with this deliciously heavy ‘one act’ about an estranged mother and daughter reuniting.”
Sweet – Damien Jade Warren
The last moment of the play will remain in your heart
“The last moment of the play will remain in your heart long after the curtain call. Beautifully written by Soo Chyun and brilliantly acted by the marvelous cast. Highly recommended.”
Sweet – Miho Ando
..connection was captivating, honest and deeply heartfelt
“I had the chance to see this show more than once and must say it hit a number of meaningful cords… The portrayal of this powerful life story by the 2 leads, Lara Helena and Shelly West left me vibrating. The truth in their performance and connection was captivating, honest and deeply heartfelt. Taking a story that could be that of many family relationships over a span of their lives, bringing it into a 50min play and reeling in the audience to feel the entire journey in all its depth is no easy task. I enjoyed both viewings as unique experiences and can’t recommend it enough!”
Sweet – Claus Glaesner
Superb experience in every way
“Superb experience in every way. I believe that Maron Doll was absolutely outstanding and the storyline was amazing so I give this show SUPER SWEET. And since the theater was very small, at one point, couldn’t help but saw tears coming down from the main character’s cheeks… making it that much more emotional for me.The cast was phenomenal and the experience had my emotions shot the whole night. I would definitely see it again and recommend to others!”
Sweet – Soo Hwang
Truthful and touching storytelling
“Truthful and touching storytelling that keeps you captivated all the way through. A talented cast brings this story to a different level!”
Sweet – Peter D.
It’s been a long time ever since I’ve found..
“It’s been a long time ever since I’ve found a stage cast that made me ponder on the meaning of life through their performances. I would love to see performances of this caliber again on Ezekiel’s stage. Best wishes to the Ezekiel Theater Company!”
Sweet – Hankyu Cho
Ezekiel Theater Company is a non-profit Christian performing arts organization established in 2013 by active theater professionals and actors with the purpose of “expanding the audience of Christian-themed plays to the general public.” Now in its 5th year, Ezekiel has grown into one of the most highly regarded Korean-American theater companies in LA. Since 2017, Ezekiel has started to produce English performances of their previous works. Recent highlights include ‘Son of Man’ The Musical’ performed in the Downey Civic Theatre in front of 1400 English-speaking audiences. Ezekiel seeks to create stories that explore the themes of the Bible while providing an entertaining experience for all audiences.
Ezekiel (יְחֶזְקֵאל,) Ezekiel was a prophet during the final years of the Kingdom of Judah to the first half of Babylonian exile (approx. 593 B.C. – 571 B.C.). Prophet Ezekiel performed theater symbolizing the siege of Jerusalem atop a clay tablet (4:1-3), and God instructed him not to say anything beyond what was revealed to him (3:26, 24:27). The name “Ezekiel,” means “God strengthens” or “God trains.”
극단 이즈키엘은 전문 기독교 공연예술 단체으로서 각 분야에서 활동하고 있는 문화, 예술, 연극 전문가들과 전문 배우들이 “관객을 성도에서 일반인으로 확대시키자”라는 취지를 가지고 “생명의 예술 – 예수님을 통해 하나님의 생명이 불어 넣어진 자들이 전하는 예술”을 수많은 성도와 일반인 관객에게 선보이고 있습니다.
이즈키엘(Ezekiel/에스겔)은 유다왕국 말기부터 바빌론 포로기 전반(약 BC 593년 – BC 571년)에 걸쳐 활동한 선지자 입니다. 이즈키엘은 토판 위에서 예루살렘의 포위를 상징하는 연극을 했으며(4:1-3), 여호와께서는 에스겔에게 자신이 계시하는 것 외에 다른 말을 하지 못하도록 지시하셨습니다(3:26, 24:27) 이즈키엘의 이름은 “하느님이 강하게 하신다.”,”하느님이 단련시킨다.”라는 뜻입니다.
In 2013
March _ Founded the Ezekiel Theater Company
July ~ November _ The first performance of “The Meeting” – Maga church (20 showings) The longest performance record in LA Korean Christian stage performance, specifically funded for the ‘New Hope Mission’ – Prison Ministry
October _ Invitational performance “The Meeting” – Maga Church (1 showing) performed for the “Southern California Deaf Church”
December _ First English performance of “The Meeting” – Visit to Chino Hill State Prison (1 showing) performed for the Christian inmates
December _ Opening performance of the Christmas omnibus play “A Midnight Clear” – Ezekiel Theater (5 showings) specifically funded for the “Good Samaritan Home”
In 2014
January _ Opening of Ezekiel workshop for Christian performing artists
April _ Preview performance of the musical “Maroo Village” – Maga Church
April _ Invitational performance of “The Meeting” – performed in the “Sarang Community Church of Southern California” (1 showing) during the New Life Festival event
July _ Opening Performance for the musical “Maroo Village” – Ezekiel Theater (10 showings) specifically funded for the ‘New Hope Mission’ – Prison Ministry
August _ Invitational performance of the musical “Maroo Village” – performed in the Palm Springs Korean Church (1 showing)
September _ Invitational performance of the musical “Maroo Village” – performed in the Maga Church (1 showing)
November _ Encore of the musical “Maroo Village” – Ezekiel Theater (4 showings) specifically funded for the “Maga Church”
In 2015
March _ Opening performance of the omnibus play “Door” – Ezekiel theater (4 showings) specifically funded for the “Fountain of Hope” to build a children’s shelter in Mexico
April _ Encore for the omnibus play “Door” – Ezekiel Theater (2 showings) specifically funded for the “Fountain of Hope” to build a children’s shelter in Mexico
October _ Invitational preview performance of the fusion historical drama “Salome” – Maga church (one showing)
October _ Invitational performance of “Door – Maron Doll” for ANBC American Onnuri Broadcasting – Ezekiel Theater (1 showing)
October – November _ Opening performance of the Fusion historical drama “Salome” – Ezekiel theater (4 showings) specifically funded for the “Fountain of Hope” to build a children’s shelter in Mexico
December _ Encore for the Fusion historical drama “Salome” – Ezekiel theater (4 showings) specifically funded for the “Fountain of Hope” to build a children’s shelter in Mexico
2016
February _ Opening performance of the two-handler mystery “Returning Home” – Ezekiel Theater (2 showings) specifically funded for the “Fountain of Hope” to build a children’s shelter in Mexico
September to October _ Opening performance of the Musical “Son of Man” – Ezekiel Theater (10 showings) specifically funded for the “Hope Sight Mission” – Association for the visually impaired Christians
November _ The Musical “Son of Man” invitational performance – “Sunland ANC Onnuri Church” (1 showing)
December _ The “Miracle Concert 5” for the hearing impaired Christians – Special Guest appearance – Ezekiel Theater (1 showing)
2017
March _ The Musical “Son of Man” – Ezekiel Theater (2 showings) specifically funded for the “Hope Sight Mission”
September _ The Musical “Son of Man” All English Version – Downey Civic Theatre (2 showings)
2013년
3월 _ 극단 창단
7월~11월 _ 제 1회 공연 실험성극『만남』 – 마가교회 (20회) LA 성극 최장기 공연 기록, 수익금 전액 ‘뉴호프 미션’에 기부
10월 _ 수화 동시 통역 실험성극『만남』 -마가교회(1회) 남가주 농아 교회 초대 공연
12월 _ 영어 실험성극『만남』- 치노힐 주립 교도소 방문 공연 (1회) 외국인 크리스찬 재소자들 위문 공연
12월 _ 제 2회 정기 공연 성탄극『그 맑고 환한 밤중에』 – 이즈키엘 소극장 (5회) 수익금 전액 ‘굿 사마리탄 홈’에 기부
2014년
1월 _ 기독교 예술인을 위한 이즈키엘 정기 워크샵 개강
4월 _ 창작 뮤지컬『마루마을』 프리뷰 공연 – 마가교회 (1회)
4월 _ 실험성극『만남』 초청 공연 – 동부 사랑의 교회 (1회) 새생명 축제의 순서 일부
7월 _ 제 3회 정기공연 창작 뮤지컬『마루마을』- 이즈키엘 소극장 (10회) 수익금 전액 ‘뉴호프 미션’에 기부
8월 _창작 뮤지컬『마루마을』초청 공연 – 팜스프링스 한인교회 (1회) 입당예배 초청 공연
9월 _ 창작 뮤지컬『마루마을』초청 공연 – 마가교회 (1회)
11월 _ 창작 뮤지컬 앵콜!『마루마을』- 이즈키엘 소극장 (4회) 수익금 전액 청소년 문화 공간 마련 사업을 위해 ‘마가교회’에 기부
2015년
3월 _ 제4회 정기공연 옴니버스 성극 『문』- 이즈키엘 소극장 (4회) 수익금 전액 재소자 가정 어린이들을 위해 ‘소망의 샘’에 기부
4월 _ 옴니버스 성극『문』앵콜 공연 – 이즈키엘 소극장 (2회) 수익금 전액 재소자 가정 어린이들을 위해 ‘소망의 샘’에 기부
10월 _ 퓨전사극『살로메』 초청 프리뷰 공연 – 마가교회 (1회)
10월 _ 옴니버스『문』애(哀) – 마론인형 ANBC 미주 온누리 방송 초청 공연 – 이즈키엘 소극장 (1회) ANBC개국 기념 행사
10월~11월 _ 제5회 정기공연 퓨전사극『살로메』- 이즈키엘 소극장 (4회) 수익금 전액 재소자 가정 어린이들을 위해 ‘소망의 샘’에 기부
12월 _ 퓨전사극『살로메』앵콜 공연- 이즈키엘 소극장 (4회) 수익금 전액 재소자 가정 어린이들을 위해 ‘소망의 샘’에 기부
2016년
2월 _ 제6회 정기공연 미스테리 이인극 『귀향』- 이즈키엘 소극장 (2회) 수익금 전액 재소자 가정 어린이들을 위해 ‘소망의 샘’에 기부
9월~10월 _ 제7회 정기공연 뮤지컬 『청년예수』- 이즈키엘 소극장 (10회) 수익금 전액 시각 장애우들을 위해 ‘비전시각장애인센터’에 기부
11월_뮤지컬 『청년예수』 초청 공연- 선랜드 ANC 온누리 교회 (1회)
12월_청각장애인 돕기 ‘기적 콘서트 5’ 스페셜 개스트 출연 – 이즈키엘 소극장 (1회)
2017년
3월 _ 뮤지컬 『청년예수』 – 이즈키엘 대극장 (2회) 수익금 전액 재소자 가정 어린이들을 위해 ‘소망의 샘’에 기부
9월 _ 영어 버전 뮤지컬 『청년예수』 – 다우니 시립 대극장 (2회)
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