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Koreaboo

By Michelle Lim Davidson, Directed by Jessica Arthur
Queensland PremiereTheatre
Presented by La Boite Theatre in association with Brisbane Festival
koreaboo_landscape

A Show of Family and Belonging

Hannah had her trip all planned out. Travel to Korea. Visit her birth mother. Spend a golden summer creating precious memories. 

But when she arrives in Seoul reality hits hard. Her Umma works in a convenience store day and night, barely taking a break. She seems more interested in stacking shelves and re-arranging the garden gnome display than connecting with her long-lost Australian daughter. 

Hannah is Korean, yet in Umma’s mind, Hannah is a “Koreaboo”—a foreigner captivated by K-Pop, kimchi and hanboks. Armed with only Google Translate and unrelenting optimism, Hannah must try to find a place within Umma’s world before the end of a sweltering summer. 

Taking inspiration from real events in playwright Michelle Lim Davidson‘s life (The Feather in the Web, The Newsreader), this profound and heartfelt play marks the writing debut of one of Australia’s most beloved performers. Michelle herself takes to the stage under the direction of Jessica Arthur (The Dictionary of Lost Words), in a reunion story that reaches across continents, cultures and Spotify® playlists.

Dates & Times

2 - 19 Sep

Duration: 80 minutes

Previews: 2 - 4 September

Tuesday - Wednesdays: 6:30pm

Thursday - Saturdays: 7:30pm

Saturday Matinee: 12 September, 2pm

Venue

La Boite Theatre

Roundhouse Theatre

Accessibility

  • Auslan
  • Audio Described
  • Wheelchair Access

Credits

Cast

Heather Jeong

Michelle Lim Davidson

Creatives

Playwright: Michelle Lim Davidson

Director: Jessica Arthur

Dramaturg: Julian Larnach 

Designer: Mel Page

Composer & Sound Designer: Brendon Boney 

Lighting Designer: Kate Baldwin

Design Associate: James Stibilj

Hero image: David Kelly

Koreaboo was first produced by Griffin Theatre Company, 14 June - 20 July 2025 at Belvoir St Theatre.

★★★★★

Michelle Lim Davidson is a gifted comedic actor, and in writing Koreaboo, she has wisely used comedy to portray a heartbreaking story.

Clare Mulcahy, What’s The Show

★★★★

Sharply observed and finely nuanced, Koreaboo proves to be as insightful as it is entertaining.

Suzy Wrong, Suzy Goes See

Brisbane Festival expresses deep respect to and acknowledges the First People of this Country.