Musical "Franz&Marie" Based on "Woyzeck" to Premiere in London This September

Premiered in Korea in 2014 as "Woyzeck"
Seven-week run at Charing Cross Theatre

The musical "Franz&Marie," based on German writer Georg Büchner's unfinished play "Woyzeck," will premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre in London, England, on September 28, according to production company ACOM on August 26. Franz&Marie will run for approximately seven weeks until November 14.

Franz&Marie is a production that ACOM developed over more than 20 years, with a focus on staging it internationally from the planning stage.

Since 2005, ACOM has collaborated with British creatives to develop the piece, holding workshops over eight years to refine the work. It was first staged in Korea in 2014 under the original title "Woyzeck." Instead of choosing a conventional musical composer, ACOM brought on the British underground cult band "The Singing Loins" as part of the creative team, giving the musical a distinctive sound unlike traditional productions.

Now, about ten years after its Korean premiere, the piece reemerges on the international stage with a new title, "Franz&Marie," and has been newly adapted for global audiences.

The original "Woyzeck" was inspired by a true murder case. Focusing on a poor low-ranking soldier as its protagonist, it explores themes of class, poverty, human alienation, and social oppression, and is regarded as one of the works that signaled the beginning of modern drama.

ACOM noted that they have expanded the questions posed by the original's exploration of human nature into this musical. In particular, the show combines music and drama through the "actor-musician" format, where a 14-member ensemble—comprised of both actors and musicians—plays instruments live on stage while acting and singing.

ACOM has also produced musicals such as "The Last Empress" and "Hero." Earlier this year, the company won the Best Musical award in the musical category at the Baeksang Arts Awards with their new production "Mongyu Dowon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.