Trust in director Kim Min-jung, the Myeongdong Theater, the single-cast format and the compelling script were actor Ahn Eun-jin's key reasons for choosing "Silent Sky" for her long-awaited return to the stage.

“I was nervous about getting back on stage after so long, unsure how I would even manage rehearsals,” Ahn said during a press conference Monday at the National Theater Company’s Myeongdong Theater.

“But I had absolute trust in director Kim Min-jung. Plus, performing at Myeongdong Arts Theater -- a place I dreamed of as a student -- made the opportunity even more special.”

Ahn, widely recognized for her roles in hit series like "Hospital Playlist" and "My Dearest" (2023), recalled her stage debut in 2012 in Kim’s musical "Werther."

She now takes on the role of Henrietta Leavitt in the National Theater Company’s year-end production, "Silent Sky." Leavitt’s groundbreaking discovery of a method to measure vast distances to remote galaxies transformed our understanding of the scale and nature of the universe.

“Its story carries immense strength and draws you deeper with every read,” Ahn said. "Also, having one actor play the same role throughout the run allows the performance to grow richer and more profound with each day.”

Despite initial jitters, Ahn said the experience quickly became exhilarating.

“As soon as I stepped onto the stage, I thought, ‘This is the joy of theater.’ Now, every performance feels deeper and more fulfilling.”

“This is a story not only about astronomy but also about history and its many interwoven layers,” director Kim said. “By revisiting the transformative early 20th century, we see how the past can teach us. Just as Henrietta’s story offers lessons today, I hope our present choices will inspire future generations.”

True to its stargazing theme, "Silent Sky" dazzles with a visually immersive design. Kim described astronomy as a “sensory field” and aimed to engage the audience with all senses.

“We wanted to create moments that evoke awe by combining stage design, lighting, video, and music,” she said.

The production’s mise-en-scene captures the grandeur of the cosmos, with soft piano melodies resonating through the theater as the stage is bathed in gentle purple hues under a canopy of twinkling stars.

"Silent Sky" runs through Dec. 28 at the Myeongdong Theater, with English subtitles available on Thursdays and Sundays, except Dec. 15.