A community preview of The Comfort Woman in Wimbledon, telling the true-story-inspired journey of a Korean woman abducted during WWII.
The Comfort Woman returns to London with a special community preview in Wimbledon, a centre of the Korean and Korean-British community, ahead of its one week of full run at Omnibus Theatre in March 2026. Inspired by the testimonies of thousands of true stories, the performance follows Minja, a Korean girl whose life is violently disrupted when she is abducted by the Japanese Army during World War II and forced into the military sexual slavery system known as “comfort women.”
This intimate preview is designed as a point of meaningful community outreach, creating space for dialogue, shared reflection, and creative exchange with local audiences. By engaging directly with London Korean communities, we aim to foster deeper connections between the work and those who experience it. Being part of Wimbledon’s established arts scene also allows the production to reach a wider range of theatre audiences. The conversations and insights gathered through this run will help shape future performances in London, with the long-term ambition of expanding the work internationally.
Visit here for the full run with a live musician at Omnibus Theatre – https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/thecomfortwoman/
(Live musician Ji Eun will not be performing for this preview run)
Synopsis
Young Minja lives a sheltered life in her remote village, unaware of the ongoing world war in Korea. Until one encounter changes everything: kidnapped by the Japanese Army, Minja must hold on to her fierce will to survive in the face of the unimaginable. Her journey of survival, resilience, and quiet defiance unfolds against the backdrop of one of history’s darkest chapters.
The Comfort Woman is a powerful and heart-wrenching portrayal of one woman’s courage, built from thousands of real women’s stories. It’s a tribute to the countless women who endured similar fates during one of history’s darkest periods, and a testament to the resilient human spirit. This “breathtaking” (Everything Theatre) performance will open your eyes and remind you of the power of survival.
Post-show Q&A
This event will take place after the matinee performance on 21 February only. The session will run for approximately one hour, though timings may vary depending on the flow of the event. With the writer/performer Minjeong Kim and a historical expert (*TBC), offering space for reflection, dialogue, and collective remembrance before the production’s main run.
Cast & Crew
Minjeong Kim – Performer/Writer
Anna Udras – Director
Olivia Woods – Producer
Annie Seoyeon Kyung – Outreach Manager/Production Coordinator