Comfort Women is a new musical which tells a widely unknown history about thousands of young women forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. The issue was largely suppressed up until 1987, yet from then till now, survivors and activists continue to fight for global recognition.

As the sensitive conversations around comfort women continue to cause conflict and polarize communities, at times it is easier to let them fall through the cracks, leading into taboo and secrecy. However, we believe this act of silencing is unjust to the memories of violence that these victims and their families must carry throughout their lives; instead, we make it our responsibility to respect them appropriately.

For this reason, Comfort Women is a production that tells these women’s stories on their behalf. The featured characters are not merely victims; while they face unspeakable horrors, the vast, emotional strength they carry moves them to protect themselves and other women. By allowing their performances to convey the true fear and trauma experienced by comfort women, the cast members work to amplify their voices to the audience in attendance.

Directed by: Dimo Hyun Jun Kim
Written by: Dimo Hyun Jun Kim, Osker David Aguirre, and Joanne Mieses
Music by: Bryan Michaels and Taeho Park
Lyrics by: Bryan Michaels

Choreographer: Natanal Hyun Kim
Associate Choreographer: Renata Skobo
Music Director: Wani Han
Scenic Designer: Choul Lee
Lighting Designer: Byungchul Lee
Sound Designer: TJ Park
Orchestrator: Hyunju Yun
Stage Combat: Johnny X Wang
Production Stage Manager: Courtney Rhodes
Assistant Stage Managers: Beth Scorzato, Denise Kha
Assistant Director: Yuri Kwag Company Manager: Emi Chun