What is 'Majesty' about?

'Majesty' is an original Korean musical that opened on October 25 at NOL Theater Daehakro's Woori Card Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. According to the production, it is inspired by Joshua Abraham Norton I, a real 19th-century San Francisco figure who declared himself Emperor.

Who is Joshua Abraham Norton I?

Norton I was a merchant who failed in rice speculation and later became a self-styled emperor in San Francisco. The musical reshapes his background, making him a former military deserter, to give his beliefs more emotional weight for the audience.

What is the show's message?

Set in 1869 during the Gold Rush, the musical uses humor and satire to comment on fake news and hate speech. A young reporter meets Norton I, who is mocked at first but gradually wins people over with his sincerity about solidarity and communication. The producer said the show is meant to raise questions that audiences can discuss afterward.

Who is behind the production?

Kim Soo-ro leads the show as producer and performer. He founded Double K Entertainment in 2016 and has run it for about a decade. Eom Ki-jun plays Norton I.

For international fans

The show is performed in Korean. It runs until November 15 at NOL Theater Daehakro in Seoul. Kim has said he hopes to bring 'Majesty' to Broadway and the West End, but no dates for those productions have been announced.