[On Stage] The Beautiful 'Chunhyang' Made with Full Intentions

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The 2020 new production "Chunhyang" by the National Changgeuk Company shows how beautifully Koreans can turn "Chunhyangjeon" into a play when they set their minds to it. "Chunhyang" is a play created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National Theater, the mother institution of the National Changgeuk Company.

The beginning of the play is exceptionally bright. When the curtain rises, Chunhyang appears alone. It is as if the main character, the bride, appears first at a wedding. Moreover, the space where Chunhyang appears is her own quarters. In short, "Chunhyang" starts by revealing everything about Chunhyang. As if to say, "Have you ever seen such a charming Chunhyang?"...

Chunhyang is excitedly applying powder. Shortly after, Hyangdan appears to help Chunhyang put on her jeogori and chima. The famous scene from the movie "Gone with the Wind," where Vivian Leigh tightens her corset with the help of her maid, briefly comes to mind.

[Photo by National Theater]

Soon after, Chunhyang captivates the audience from the left side of the stage. Against the backdrop of Gwanghallu, where a village festival is held on Dano Day, Chunhyang swings high, soaring. Above all, the one most captivated is Lee Mong-ryong, who watches Chunhyang with wide eyes from the right corner. He fusses, saying, "There, she's going up, going up. She's coming down, coming down," unable to take his eyes off Chunhyang's fluttering skirt. He seems to have forgotten whether he is a nobleman or a commoner, acting wildly. He even kneels before Bangja, calling him "brother," and pleads earnestly for him to bring Chunhyang.

Bangja, thrilled to be called "brother" by a nobleman, rushes toward Chunhyang. Bangja's running scene overlaps with the famous scene from director Im Kwon-taek's 2000 film "Chunhyangjeon," where Bangja runs to call Chunhyang.

Kim Myung-gon, who directed and wrote the script for the Changgeuk "Chunhyang," also participated in the production of the film "Chunhyangjeon." The script for "Chunhyangjeon" is also Kim Myung-gon's work.

[Photo by National Theater]

On the night Lee Mong-ryong visits Chunhyang's house, Chunhyang shows a sly charm with her fox-like behavior. When Mong-ryong, who fell in love at first sight, hesitates to express his feelings, she responds with a cool attitude, saying, "So what?" When Mong-ryong hands her a letter expressing his feelings, Chunhyang snatches it with an indifferent expression. Then, turning her back to Mong-ryong, she gives the audience a sly smile. Inwardly pleased, she pretends to be indifferent in front of Mong-ryong.

Kim Woo-jung, who plays Chunhyang, enhances the charm of the Changgeuk "Chunhyang" by showing various facets of Chunhyang's character. She also fully demonstrates her capabilities as a sorikkun (traditional Korean singer). Especially impressive is the scene where she sings "Farewell Song," expressing the pain of parting from Mong-ryong, who is leaving for Hanyang. Although physically apart, she sings out the sorrow of farewell with strong high notes, as if to uphold her integrity.

While Chunhyang's charm stands out in Act 1 of "Chunhyang," Act 2 highlights Mong-ryong's appeal. The clumsy Mong-ryong, who could barely speak properly in front of Chunhyang in Act 1, shows the completely changed figure of a mature man in Act 2.

[Photo by National Theater]

The role of Mong-ryong is played by Kim Jun-su, who joined the National Changgeuk Company in 2013 as the youngest member in its history. He freely displays his skills as a sorikkun, honed since elementary school. His previous works include "Farewell My Concubine," a fusion of pansori and Chinese opera, and smaller roles in "Byeonggangsoe Jeomjjikgo Ongnyeo" and "Simcheongga."

In "Chunhyang," Kim Jun-su shows his true colors as a sorikkun leading the play alongside Chunhyang. The scene where he sings "Eosachuldo-ga" is particularly impressive. "Eosachuldo-ga" is a song that director Kim Myung-gon especially emphasized to properly showcase the essence of pansori through "Chunhyang." Kim said, "Eosachuldo-ga is a very difficult and demanding song," adding, "We will show the power of the song through Lee Mong-ryong's solo performance."

The National Changgeuk Company's "Chunhyang" will be performed at the Daloreum Theater of the National Changgeuk Company until the 24th. The role of Chunhyang is played by National Changgeuk Company member Lee So-yeon and guest actor Kim Woo-jung, and the role of Mong-ryong is played by National Changgeuk Company member Kim Jun-su.

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