Original Pansori 'Mongjungin - I Am Not Chunhyang,' Featuring Hyangdan as the Protagonist

From the 16th to the 25th at Doosan Art Center Space111

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The creative pansori performance "Mongjungin - I Am Not Chunhyang" will be held from the 16th to the 25th at Doosan Art Center Space111.

"Mongjungin - I Am Not Chunhyang" is a creative pansori work by singer Lee Seung-hee, who was selected as a DAC Artist (DOOSAN Art Center Artist).

Lee Seung-hee is active as a singer and actor across various genres including music, theater, and musicals, beyond traditional music. She recreates modern texts such as novels and fairy tales into pansori or presents performances that reinterpret traditional pansori. As a singer of the pansori creative group "Ipgwa Son Studio," she explores new working methods that expand and transform the elements of pansori without being confined to the existing pansori creation methods.

"Mongjungin - I Am Not Chunhyang" is the second series of "Mongjungin," focusing on 'Hyangdan' instead of Chunhyang. It shows the process of Hyangdan, who had always lived following behind Chunhyang, finding her own value of existence.

Hyangdan goes to the prison to check on Chunhyang’s life and death after hearing the news that Chunhyang is imprisoned. Seeing Chunhyang’s miserable state, Hyangdan suddenly feels fear. Worried about her future life, Hyangdan falls asleep and awakens in 2020 South Korea through a dream. Through the events Hyangdan experiences in the modern era and the people around her seen through her perspective, the performance raises questions about how to live in this era as 'oneself.'

Lee Seung-hee said, "Hyangdan is not the main character of 'Chunhyangga,' but I thought the worries she has are similar to ours despite different times and circumstances," adding, "Perhaps it was I who gained comfort and courage from the encounter with Hyangdan, which started with compassion."

The story of Hyangdan in "Mongjungin - I Am Not Chunhyang" was created by two writers divided into 'pansori-based novel' and 'pansori-based narrative.' The pansori-based novel was handled by playwright Lee Yeon-ju, who considered Hyangdan’s character traits and incorporated perspectives on labor and human rights issues. Lee Yeon-ju recently directed plays such as "Recognition Struggle; Artist Edition" and "This Is the Last." The pansori-based narrative was created by singer Lee Seung-hee.

'DAC Artist' is a program by Doosan Art Center supporting creators in the performing arts field. Since 2017, it has supported Lee Seung-hee (traditional music creator), Yoon Sung-ho (writer/director), and Kim Soo-jung (writer/director). It is a program that supports various creative activities such as new work production, research and workshops for work development, and overseas training to discover and support young artists under 40 years old. Creators who have participated as DAC Artists since 2008 include Lee Ja-ram, Yeo Shin-dong, Kim Eun-sung, Sung Ki-woong, Lee Kyung-sung, and Yangson Project.

Meanwhile, Doosan Art Center will offer free performances of the DAC Artist program works "Mongjungin - I Am Not Chunhyang" and "Not a Dream Play." Yoon Sung-ho’s new play "Not a Dream Play" will be presented as a reading performance. Reservations can be made in advance through the Doosan Art Center website on a first-come, first-served basis. Details can be found on the website.

During the performance period, Doosan Art Center will strengthen disinfection measures inside the theater to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Seating will be arranged considering social distancing, and mask-wearing will be mandatory for all audience members and staff. Visitors will be allowed to enter the auditorium only after a temperature check confirms no abnormalities.

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