A New Chapter: Jung Ae-ri Takes the Stage in ‘The Mother’

Veteran performer Jung Ae-ri is set to captivate audiences with a challenging new role. Marking her 48th year in the industry, the acclaimed actor returns to the stage in the upcoming production of The Mother, a performance that promises a profound exploration of family dynamics and personal isolation.

Bringing a Modern Masterpiece to Life

The play, which is scheduled to run from May 29 through June 7 at the CJ Towol Theater (Jayu Small Theater) at the Seoul Arts Center, is written by the celebrated contemporary playwright Florian Zeller. The Mother serves as the inaugural installment of Zeller’s acclaimed “family trilogy,” a series that also includes The Father and The Sun. These works are widely recognized for their unflinching examination of human fragility, memory loss, and the complexities of familial bonds.

In this production, Jung Ae-ri portrays “Anne,” a woman whose identity has been defined by her role within her family. The narrative follows her journey as she confronts the shifting landscape of her life: her son, Nicolas, moves on to a new relationship, and her husband, Pierre, becomes increasingly distant, citing work commitments. As Anne struggles to reconcile her reality with her internal perceptions, the audience is invited into a poignant meditation on what happens when the center of one’s world begins to fracture.

A Career-Defining Performance

For Jung, who has maintained a prolific career spanning nearly five decades, this role represents a departure from her previous work. The production, managed by Studio Bahn, highlights the actor’s commitment to exploring the “cracks” in the human psyche. Her portrayal of Anne is expected to be a centerpiece of the theatrical season, drawing on her years of experience to navigate the delicate balance between delusion and reality.

The Production Team

The creative vision for The Mother is brought to life by a talented ensemble cast. Alongside Jung Ae-ri, the production features:

• Kim Seung-wook as Pierre, the husband whose detachment serves as a catalyst for Anne’s internal turmoil.
• Seo Jin-won as Nicolas, the son navigating his own path away from the family home.
• Ga-eun in the role of the “young woman” (often referred to as ‘Agassi’), who plays a pivotal part in the unfolding drama.

Why ‘The Mother’ Matters

Florian Zeller’s work has garnered international acclaim for its unique structural approach to storytelling. Critics have often noted the “structural labyrinth” present in his writing, which forces the audience to experience the same disorientation and emotional weight felt by the protagonist. By choosing to step into the shoes of Anne, Jung Ae-ri is not merely performing a character; she is anchoring a complex, psychological study that challenges both the actor and the viewer to confront the vulnerabilities inherent in the most intimate of human relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Venue: Seoul Arts Center, Jayu Small Theater.
• Performance Dates: May 29 – June 7, 2026.
• Genre: Contemporary drama, part of Florian Zeller’s family trilogy.
• Focus: A deep dive into the themes of loss, isolation, and memory, led by veteran actor Jung Ae-ri.

As the curtain rises on May 29, all eyes will be on Jung Ae-ri’s transformation. In an industry that often celebrates the new and the fleeting, her continued dedication to the craft of acting serves as a reminder of the enduring power of live theater to capture the truth of the human condition.