Koreaboo

A moving story of family, identity and belonging is coming to Brisbane this spring as Koreaboo makes its La Boite Theatre debut from 2 to 19 September 2026 as part of Brisbane Festival.

A Griffin Theatre Company presented by La Boite Theatre in association with Brisbane Festival, this acclaimed production is equal parts heartfelt, humorous and deeply relatable, exploring the complexities of reconnecting with family, culture and yourself.

The story follows Hannah, an Australian-Korean woman who travels to Seoul dreaming of the perfect reunion with her birth mother. She imagines a summer filled with meaningful conversations and treasured memories - but reality proves very different.

Her Umma works around the clock in a convenience store, seemingly more interested in stacking shelves and rearranging the garden gnome display than getting to know her long-lost daughter. To make matters worse, Hannah is seen not as Korean, but as a "Koreaboo" - someone captivated by Korean culture from the outside. Armed with little more than Google Translate and unwavering optimism, Hannah sets out to bridge the gap between expectation and reality before the summer comes to an end.

Inspired by playwright Michelle Lim Davidson's own life, Koreaboo marks the writing debut of the beloved Australian performer, known for her roles in The Newsreader, Utopia and Play School. Davidson also stars in the production, directed by Jessica Arthur (The Dictionary of Lost Words), bringing authenticity and warmth to this touching reunion story that spans continents, cultures and even Spotify playlists.

Featuring dramaturgy by Julian Larnach, design by Mel Page, composition and sound design by Brendon Boney, and lighting design by Kate Baldwin, Koreaboo will be performed at La Boite's Roundhouse Theatre from 2 to 19 September, with opening night taking place on Saturday 5 September.

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