[On Stage] Lisa "During Difficult Times, Curie's Unyielding Spirit Brings Comfort"

Musical 'Marie Curie' Lead... Empathizes with Curie's Feelings on Discrimination During Study Abroad "Thank You for Loving Science Stories"

Musical actress Lisa [Photo by Majique]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Musical actress Lisa lived in Poland for three years during her childhood. Her father was a diplomat. She also lived in Germany and Sweden. "It was a time when there were not many East Asians. They looked at me like I was a monkey."

Lisa is currently performing as the lead character Marie Curie in the musical 'Marie Curie,' which depicts the life of Madame Curie (1867?1934). Curie was a Pole under the rule of three countries, including Russia. At that time, Poland did not allow women to enter university. Curie went to the Sorbonne University in France, met her husband Pierre Curie, and rose to prominence as a female scientist by winning the Nobel Prize twice.

From her childhood experiences, Lisa could deeply understand the feelings of discrimination and oppression that Curie endured. "One day, I visited a Dutch friend's house. I ate the food her mother made and had a good time, but the next day, my friend said, 'My mom told me not to play with you.' It was because I was East Asian and Korean. That was very shocking."

Lisa's father taught her to be even more polite and to act properly in such situations. "He taught me to endure and restrain myself in many ways. I thought Marie might have been like that too. Marie's parents were educators and probably emphasized manners. So I thought restraint was ingrained in Marie."

The play focuses solely on portraying the female scientist Marie Curie. The theme of love, which is usually indispensable in stage performances, is thoroughly excluded.

"It's a musical about a woman, and moreover, it deals with science, not popular themes like love or thrillers. I was worried whether people would be interested, but fortunately, the audience thinks it's a good work, so I am very happy. It is a work that offers much comfort by showing Marie who never gives up despite facing numerous hardships. Many audience members have told me they were greatly comforted by seeing Marie's perseverance."

'Marie Curie' is a rare female-led musical but also a different kind of female musical. "Musicals led by female characters usually emphasize femininity, such as being sexy or pretty. 'Marie Curie' has none of that. The costumes and makeup are not flashy either. The focus is on Marie concentrating and immersing herself in science, and female audience members seem to find that aspect cool, which I really like."

Lisa originally debuted as a singer, not an actress. She entered the musical stage in 2008 through 'Bandit.' Regarding the difference between a singer and an actor, she said, "A singer must be thoroughly myself, but an actor must thoroughly disappear. The character emerges the moment I completely vanish."

As an actress, she wants to express all types of human beings through various roles. She also mentioned Joan of Arc as a role she definitely wants to play. She hopes to provide comfort and solace to many people through the characters she portrays.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.