


The road to reunion is paved with awkward moments.
Hannah had her trip all planned out. Travel to Korea. Visit her birth mother. Spend a golden summer creating precious memories.
But when she arrives in Seoul reality hits hard. Her Umma works in a convenience store day and night, barely taking a break. She seems more interested in stacking shelves and re-arranging the garden gnome display than connecting with her long-lost Australian daughter.
Hannah is Korean, raised in Australia, yet in Umma’s mind, Hannah is a “Koreaboo” – a foreigner captivated by K-Pop, kimchi and hanboks. Armed with only Google Translate and unrelenting optimism, Hannah must try to find a place within Umma’s world before the end of a sweltering summer.
Taking inspiration from real events of Michelle Lim Davidson‘s life (The Feather in the Web, The Newsreader), this profound and heartfelt play marks the writing debut of one of Australia’s most beloved performers. Michelle herself takes to the stage under the direction of Jessica Arthur (The Dictionary of Lost Words, The Shiralee), in a reunion story that reaches across continents, cultures and Spotify playlists.
1hr 20min. Incl. 1 interval.
24th September, 2026
10th October, 2026

Ground floor of The Malthouse is accessible by wheelchair (enter via the ramp near the Box Office). The Merlyn and Beckett Theatre, MALT Kitchen & Pantry, Box Office, Bar and bathrooms are all located on the ground floor.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAM: The No. 1 South Melbourne tram goes right past our door. Get off at Stop 18. Any tram down St Kilda Road—jump off at Grant Street, Stop 17 and take a 3-minute walk.
BY TRAIN: Any train to Flinders Street, then a 12-minute stroll through Melbourne’s sparkling Arts Precinct.
BY BIKE: Secure your bike to one of the many racks outside the foyer.
BY CAR: Limited on-street parking is available on Grant Street, Sturt Street and Dodds Streets. Two disabled parking spaces are just outside The Malthouse entrance on Sturt Street.
Writer: Michelle Lim Davidson
Director: Jessica Arthur
Designer: Mel Page
Lighting Designer: Kate Baldwin
Composer & Sound Designer: Brendan Boney
Design Associate: James Stibilj
Dramaturg: Julian Larnach
Production Manager (Griffin): Sherydan Simson
Stage Manager: Jen Jackson
Cast: Michelle Lim Davidson and Heather Jeong
Koreaboo runs for 1hr 20min. Incl. 1 interval.
Koreaboo is at Melbourne's Beckett Theatre | Malthouse Theatre, which is located at 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne, 3006.
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