Sell Me: I Am from North Korea

Theatre (solo show, drama)

  • Pleasance Courtyard - Below
  • 12:35
  • Aug 25
  • 55 minutes
  • Suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
  • Country: United States
  • Group: Sora Baek
  • Warnings and additional info: This show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes and scenes of violence.
  • Accessibility:
    Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies are not allowed in the venue
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years

Description

On her 15th birthday, Jisun, a North Korean girl, decides to sell herself to an old man to buy medication for her dying mother. But after risking her life by crossing into China, she learns that her under-developed body is not-sellable. Will she survive as she struggles in a merciless foreign land, where her very existence is illegal? Performed at the U.S. Capitol Center, this powerful and fast-paced solo piece is inspired by the true stories of incredibly courageous female North Korean defectors. 'Excellent... important' (Henry Song, North Korean Human Rights Activist).

Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].

General venue access

  • Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Queue in cobbled courtyard. Access to space via locked lift, please notify venue ahead of your visit if you require use of the lift and ask at Info Shed upon arrival for access. Lift dimensions are 1200mm x 1200mm, max. weight 500kg.The Performance Space is on the Lower Ground Floor down 5 steps on a permanent stone staircase with handrails.
  • Wheelchair access type: Building Lift

  • Stairs: 2 - 5
    Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Kevin Schofield 76 days ago

OMG this is definitely the show of the fringe for me. This lady tells such a powerful story that breaks your heart but opens your eyes to the magnitude of the oppression of North Korea. You must must see this show.

tiggy bayley 76 days ago

I loved this show. It was so expertly told - informative and emotional at the same time. Top pick of the Fringe for sure!

Marco B. 76 days ago

Something not to be missed. Powerful, and passionate performance on something tragic, but that needs to be told. Sora' performance is magnetic and compelling.

Mak Po 79 days ago

Beautiful, compelling performance. Get tickets in advance, we tried turning up two days in a row and both times the show was sold out. Well worth the wait. I expect this one will stay with most audiences.

Foteini Penna 80 days ago

A very emotional performance based on true stories! Definitely worth watching!

Merial Sloan 80 days ago

Absolutely amazing show. A must see at the fringe. Deeply moving to raise awareness and offering a glimpse into the life of women defectors.

Jennifer Johnston-Watt 82 days ago

A phenomenal performance, deeply moving and so, so important. This will stay with you for a long, long time. Do go and see it.

Erin Reetz 83 days ago

Must see show. Very powerful, emotional, raw telling of this woman's experience escaping North Korea as a child. Bring tissues.

Nicolas Peña Tenjo 84 days ago

This was incredible. She is an amazing performer. The story is perfectly done. It really gets to you. You feel the pain, sadness, fight and the dreams of the character. A must.

Bonnie Zellerbach 84 days ago

This is an excellent one woman show. Superbly performed against a backdrop of ever changing images - it is entertaining, moving and thought provoking. Please go see it.

Ken Findlay 87 days ago

Went to see 'Without Kate Bush' earlier in the week and Sarah-Louise, the performer that night recommended everyone to go and see this show. She even added that the performer was in the audience with her daughter.

We managed to get the last two tickets, 5 mins before the show started on our last day at the Fringe.

The best decision we could have made to finish our Fringe. Raw, emotional, stunning, thought provoking - just an amazing performance and well deserving of all the 5 Star accolades this show is receiving and will undoubtedly get more of.

If you don't see any other show at this year's Fringe, then go and see this show.

Nathanael 87 days ago

An important story compellingly told. Superbly acted - the final few moments are especially well staged. Go see.

Katie F 87 days ago

Masterful, clear and compelling storytelling. Sora is a strong and fascinating performer and delivers a powerful telling of a harrowing story.

Arden John 89 days ago

Absolutely incredible performance. Gripping, emotional and beautifully portrayed by a masterful actor.

David John 89 days ago

Absolutely stunning storytelling. An important story to hear. I'm at a bit of a loss for words to be honest. Go see it.

Vicky Soutar 90 days ago

Very powerful, emotional and brutal picture of just some of what North Korean people can and do go through as refugees . I have been reading and learning about this issue for some time and I was so awed and touched by the strength and true feeling of this performance. Sora talked a little afterwards to us and made herself available to anyone who wanted to chat afterwards, I only wish I’d been able to today to thank her properly and I would recommend this to anyone.

Julia 91 days ago

A compelling mixed-media performance by Sora Baek who offers a stark insight into life in North Korea and the challenges faced by the few who manage to escape its totaltarian regime. A spellbinding show which must be seen.
*****

EW 93 days ago

A brilliant, moving piece that opened our eyes to the struggles of women in North Korea, superbly performed by Sora. 5/5. HIghly recommend.


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

British Theatre Guide (4/5 stars) 80 days ago

It’s a powerful and fascinating insight into a country few from the west will ever see

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VoiceMag.uk (5/5 stars) 80 days ago

'Sell Me, I'm from North Korea' is a challenging but important watch.

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Playbill (4/5 stars) 82 days ago

Sora Baek's heartwrenching solo play Sell Me: I Am From North Korea ... is a startling, multimedia experience that pushes back against Western conceptions of North Korean life.

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EdinburghGuide.com (5/5 stars) 82 days ago

A show that will make you aware, make you cry and make you want to make a difference.

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FringeReview 92 days ago

A spellbinding and heart-wrenching performance, in which we share the experience of a 15 year old North Korean girl attempting to help her family by defecting.

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Voice Magazine (5/5 stars) 92 days ago

Baek’s excellent performance make this a must-watch

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The Real Chrisparkle (4/5 stars) 92 days ago

If ever a production had its heart in the right place, it’s this; and Sora’s character’s story will live in one’s heart and imagination long after the show finishes.

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North West End UK (5/5 stars) 93 days ago

Sorak Baek is a charismatic performer. To say it’s a tour-de-force is an understatement. Baek commands our attention from her first entrance. She tells the story brilliantly, focusing mainly on Jisun but shifting effortlessly to other characters that the 15-year-old encounters such as her best friend and a customer in the market. It’s a superbly nuanced performance which not only tugs at the heartstrings but is also at times very amusing.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.