"The stage is where I belong," a fourth generation Korean actor in Japan found her identity in theatre

Cho Chonghyung, a fourth generation Korean actress in Japan, will play the leading role of Mayu for an upcoming play 'Yasukichi Murakami – Through a Distant Lens,' which features Japanese immigrants to Australia.

Cho Chonghyung, a Japan-based Korean actress in Japan, at a stage rehearsal for a play 'Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens.' Credit: Cho Chonghyung

A Japan-based Korean actress Cho Chonghyung (second from the left) with co-stars and staff from a play 'Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens.' Credit: Cho Chonghyung

Yasukichi Murakami is a Japanese pioneer in Australia, who immigrated to Australia in 1897

In the play, a Sydney-based artist and photographer Mayu Kanamori reflects on her life while following the footprints of Murakami. Ms Cho plays the role of Mayu.

Ms Cho sees herself as a minority in the society in Japan. How does Ms Cho see Japanese Australians in the play? Let's listen.

'Yasukichi Murakami – Through a Distant Lens' will be played at the Osaka University Nakanoshima Art Centre from the 19th to the 21st of January.

There is also an accompanying photo exhibition until the 21st of January at the Osaka University Nakanoshima Art Centre. For both play and exhibition, admission is free.

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