Rosetta Sherwood Hall was an American-born physician who, after graduating from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, was dispatched to Korea. There, she made significant contributions, including the development of the first Korean braille system and the establishment of numerous hospitals.

She confronted prejudice and discrimination based on disability, gender, race, and age, engaging in missionary work that went beyond the bounds of religion and politics, while also dedicating herself to medical treatment.

The story follows her journey chronologically, like a diary—from her childhood decision to become a missionary, through her marriage, the start of her work in Korea, to the anguish and frustration she faced after the loss of her daughter and husband, and the choices she made in her most desperate moments.

This work is a collaborative production between the American theater company Living Theater and actors from Korea’s Playfactory Mabangzen. All actors on stage simultaneously portray the single character “Rosetta” in a unique theatrical approach. Through the use of percussion to heighten the tension of each scene, the play transforms into a heterogeneous yet captivating stage experience.

hello,

I'm Yossef K. Junghan, director and writer of the play Rosetta, which follows the life of Rosetta Sherwood Hall, a stranger in Korea. At the young age of twenty-four, she raised up the sick, and I believe that her life has the power to bring everyone together across borders.

Each moment of this play is a moment of her devoted love, not for a country, but simply for the sick.

I hope that this little piece of work will convey the feeling of being able to love someone unconditionally, and that when you leave the theater, you will be able to hug someone you love, because that is the most wonderful thing.

I am honored and grateful to be invited to this wonderful festival.

With love,

Yossef K.