There are emotions that pass by too quickly and too intensely. Experiencing such emotions is like riding a train and seeing the scenery outside the window move so fast that it appears as a jumble of mixed colors. They are emotions whose true nature cannot be articulated—we can only say that we “felt” them. Though fleeting, once those emotions have passed—leaving behind a void like the aftermath of a raging storm—all that remains is a world turned upside down for one person.
What if, when those fleeting emotions pass, it were possible to press “slow” on time? The experience of pausing time for a moment to delve deeper and deeper into the intimate details of those emotions and reflect deeply—the play *Unbenannt*brings precisely that moment to life on stage.
Stefan Zweig’s Abyss, Blooming on Stage
This play is based on the novella *Confusion of Feelings* by Stefan Zweig, the “master of psychological fiction” who examined the human psyche with the precision of a microscope. It boldly premiered a portrayal of the complex psychological state of a human being who is constantly torn between respect and love, and between reason and instinctive attraction.
The play’s narrative begins with the recollections of Roland, an elderly professor nearing retirement. As he receives a collection of papers commemorating his life’s work from his colleagues and students, he reflects on his past. Yet he recalls the most turbulent period of his life—one that could never be contained within those thick volumes. It is the story ofhis encounter with Professor Y, forty years ago.
‘Unbenannt’: The Name of the Unnameable
The title <Unbenannt>, which means “nameless” or “unnamed” in German, is the core keyword that runs through this work. It carries a dual meaning.
- The anonymity of the subject: It reflects the fact that “Y”—the decisive subject that shook Roland’s world—ultimately appears without a name.
- The Rejection of Definition: The title reflects the intention not to confine the protagonist’s complex emotions within a single word.
- The universality of emotion: It suggests that this emotion is not the exclusive property of any specific individual, but rather an anonymous essence that we can all feel.
A precision rendering of emotions through language
The play <Unbenannt> unravels the delicate emotional nuances that Stefan Zweig described in his writing through sharp dialogue and the actors’ intense performances. The inner conflicts that previously existed only in the abstract take on concrete form on stage, and the audience is forced to confront the reality of those intense emotions within a frozen moment in time.
“What is the emotion that shook your life to its core, yet you could never quite put a name to it?”
The play <Unbenannt> asks us a question. It dares to offer us the courage to step off the speeding train of fleeting emotions for a moment and face that intense turmoil head-on.
[An Exclusive Event by Secret Seoul]
If you’re curious about the emotional whirlwind that the play <Unbenannt> offers, be sure to check out the special event currently underway at Secret Seoul!
To enter, simply visit the official Secret Seoul Instagram page right now, ‘like’ the post, and leave a comment. A total of 10 winners will be selected via a random drawing to receive performance tickets (two tickets per person).
Participation Link
- Event Giveaway: Tickets to the play <Unbenannt> (10 winners selected by lottery, 2 tickets per person)
- Event Period: April 8, 6 PM – April 15, 6 PM
*Winners will be notified individually via DM on April 16 - Performance Schedule: April 24 (Fri) 8:00 PM
It will be a wonderful opportunity to confront the most intimate landscapes of the human soul alongside a lover, a friend, or a family member. We hope you won’t miss this special invitation via Instagram.
🗓️March 27, 2026 – June 7, 2026
📍Yes24 Stage 3
🏷️60,000 KRW
