Heungbu's Full Performance Challenge After 20 Years, Wang Gi-cheol: "I'm Nervous Because My Students Are Coming to Watch"

On the 12th, Principal Wang Gi-cheol of Traditional Arts Middle and High School Performs Complete Heungbuga on Stage
"120km Round-Trip Commute, Car Becomes Practice Room"

Master Wang Gi-cheol, who presents the full performance of Heungbu at the National Theater again after 20 years. Photo by National Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] "I have lived a 46-year life of sound, but I still get nervous and scared when going on stage. Honestly, I didn't want to perform this time either. I was worried I might sing poorly and hear from the audience, especially from the master singers, 'Wang Gicheol used to sing well, but now he’s no good,' which would be a burden."

Wang Gicheol, a master singer who was once the representative singer of the National Changgeuk Company and now serves as the principal of the National Traditional Arts Middle and High School nurturing future talents, will present a full performance of the Pansori Heungboga after 20 years. Master Wang, who will take the stage at 3 p.m. on the 12th at the National Theater's Haneul Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "I am very nervous because my students and school teachers are coming to watch," but added, "On the other hand, I hope this stage will be one where my students, seeing their teacher's performance, dream of becoming even greater singers who surpass me."

The National Theater's full Pansori performance program is a prestigious stage reserved only for master singers of the time. Following his elder brother, the late master Wang Gichang, Wang became a disciple of Hyangsa Park Guihee at the age of sixteen. After graduating from Seoul Gugak Arts High School, he entered Hanyang University’s Department of Korean Traditional Music, becoming the first in Korea to earn a bachelor's degree in Pansori. Having won consecutive awards at the Jeonju Daesaseupnori and KBS Gugak Awards and actively performing as a master singer of his time, he performed Heungboga on the same stage in 2002.

Master Wang explained, "Twenty-one years ago, Master Han Nongsun, who was teaching at Seoul Gugak Arts High School (the predecessor of the current National Traditional Arts High School), suggested I learn Heungboga. After dedicating half a year to it, I performed a full piece on stage, but a few months before that performance, my teacher passed away. This performance is dedicated to my teacher."

Balancing his duties as principal with practice, his daily life became practice itself. The 60 km one-way commute from home to school became Wang’s practice room, and his practice partner was himself from the performance 20 years ago. He said, "I practiced while listening to the 2002 Heungboga performance recording. The vocal energy was great, and the high notes stretched out beautifully, which was very pleasant to hear." He added, "I am approaching this full performance with the mindset that it will be my last. Although my vocal range is a bit lower than 20 years ago, I am trying to perform with maturity and delicate interpretation of the piece."

Master singer Wang said, "I wanted to show that a swallow, symbolizing hope, is coming to those who have struggled for a long time due to COVID-19," and added, "The work Heungbu-ga also joyfully presents the moment of happiness when Heungbu and his wife, who had been struggling with poverty, become rich by receiving three gourds." Photo by National Theater of Korea

Why did he choose Heungboga among many works when offered the full Pansori performance? Master Wang said, "I wanted to show that the swallow, a symbol of hope, is coming to those who have suffered for a long time due to COVID-19." He added, "Heungboga is a work that joyfully presents the moment when Heungbu and his wife, who had been struggling with poverty, become rich after receiving the gourd seeds."

He is the first active school principal to present a full Pansori performance, but he hopes his students will pursue even bigger dreams than his own. Wang said, "After the 2019 performance in Washington, USA, we are resuming overseas performances that were postponed due to COVID-19, and we are planning a performance in Italy with the 'Arirang Arts Troupe,' composed of students from the National Gugak Middle and High School." He emphasized, "With K-culture sweeping the world, I will devote all my efforts to educating global artistic prodigies who showcase our sound and melodies on the world stage."

The performance will take place at 3 p.m. on the 12th at the National Theater's Haneul Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul.

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