This modern-day take on the Faust legend premiered in South Korea in 2014. The music is by Woody Pak and Gihieh Lee, with book by Gina Lee. It is noteworthy for the way it mixes classical and rock music. It follows the New York banker John Faust and his partner Gretchen. After his despair on Black Monday, spirits called X-White and X-Black attempt to influence John and decide the path of his soul, and their struggle impacts Gretchen as well.
It has been performed in several countries outside of Korea. In 2023, the first Japan production
was staged, featuring several members of the original Korean cast, including Michael K. Lee and Jisang Han.
A sequel, The Devil: Eden, also premiered in 2023.
This show provides examples of:
- Big Applesauce: Because of course a modern-day Faust would be on Wall Street.
- The Corrupter: X-Black is this to John, guiding him to look out for himself and forget morality.
- Creepy Cool Crosses: The Japan production features a giant one in the middle of the set, falling over.
- Good Angel, Bad Angel: X-Black and X-White are this to John. In the original production, they were played by one actor.
- Our Demons Are Different: Michael K. Lee said in the "This Is Us!" concert held during the Japan production that the concept of what exactly X-White and X-Black are have evolved over time. Are they two supreme forces of good and evil, or two angels under a higher power?
- Space Whale Aesop: Light or dark, it all depends on your choices. But if you do fall under the influence of a devil with the tact of the average Nigerian prince, don't worry, because an angel can and will Deus ex Machina you back to life, and leave you thinking It Was All A Dream.
