29 VIEWS OF HWANG CHIN-I is a speculation on the life of a renowned Korean
kisaeng (similar to the geisha). Just as the hard facts of her life are
slim, the folklore and mythology of her life is great, inspiring tales of
almost divine birth and supernatural powers. Hwang Chin-i was not only
Koreas most famous seducer of men, but also its greatest female poet.
Rendered with traditional Korean singing, dancing and poetry, this dramatic
tapestry brings to life the heart of this remarkable woman and explores the
joys and dangers of earthly love.

The play is written, directed and designed by Legawiec, with traditional
Korean flute, drums and strings played by June Yee. Choreography is by
Jenny Woo, lighting by Leif Gantvoort.

Here is what the critics have said about 29 VIEWS OF HWANG CHIN-I:

F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times (July 14, 2000): As measured and
austere as a tea ceremony, it is a thing of beauty...Woo moves us to
sympathy and admiration. An engaging performer with a fine singing voice,
she is lively and contemplative by turns, making us feel the pain and irony
of Hwang Chin-is glorified servitude.

Luis Reyes, LA Weekly (July 14-20, 2000): Pick of the Week...Stephen
Legawiecs elegant portrait of a 16th century kisaeng subtly cracks the
emotional surface of one womans life...Woo delivers a powerful performance
as the seductress.

Jenny Woo (Hwang Chin-i) proud to be of mixed heritage, Korean American and
English American, was born and raised in southern California and is a
graduate of UCLAs World Arts and Cultures program. Ms. Woos many credits
include originating the role of Lady Sazuko in James Clavells Shogun on
Broadway, Ophelia in Hamlet at the Singapore Repertory Theater, Sister in
The Woman Warrior at the Ahmanson Doolittle, Holly in John Moritsugus film,
Terminal USA, Sasha in Ivonov at the American Conservatory Theatre, Figaro
Gets a Divorce at La Jolla Playhouse, Orestes in The Libation Bearers at
UCLA, and Chava in Fiddler on the Roof at Sacramento Civic Light Opera.
Other television credits include Chicago Hope, Picket Fences, and
Models, Inc. Ms. Woo wrote, choreographed, directed and performed in her
own one-woman show, Humanart, based on her studies abroad as an official
delegate at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. She is
a graduate of the American Conservatory Theatres Advanced Training Program,
where she recently received her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting.

Stephen Legawiec (director) received his BFA in Design from Washington
University in St. Louis, and did post-graduate work in theater at Rutgers
University. Legawiec founded the White River Theatre Festival in Vermont in
1987, where he was Artistic Director until 1995. He is the author of
eighteen full-length plays and has directed authors ranging from Shakespeare
to Brecht to Genet. He founded the Ziggurat Theatre in 1996 where he is
currently Artistic Director. He has researched myth and avant-garde theatre
in Europe and Asia, and is a member of the International School of Theatre
Anthropology in Denmark, under the direction of Eugenio Barba.

June Yee (Yonsa/musician) Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Ms. Yee is a
member of the Korean Classical Music and Dance Company in Los Angeles,
playing the Gayageum (Korean string instrument). Her most recent appearance
was in UCLAs World Music Festival with the Department of Ethnomusicology as
a dancer and a musician.

Jenny Woo
Assistant Director of Recruitment and Outreach
UCLAs School of the Arts and Architecture
303 East Melnitz
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 825-9708
jwoo@arts.ucla.edu