[On Stage] Like Chamber Music Offering Comfort... The Play "My Mister"

Classical music uses a multitude of directives. These instructions, which indicate not only tempo and dynamics but also the emotional tone performers should convey, change with each movement and guide the flow and atmosphere of a piece. Even within a single movement, several directives can be used, resulting in delicate melodies. Among the many directives, the most representative ones indicating tempo are allegro (fast) and andante (slow).

The play "My Mister," currently being performed at the LG Arts Center, expresses delicate emotions much like classical music, where allegro and andante are exquisitely balanced.

The original work is a 16-episode drama of the same name that aired on tvN from March to May 2018. It caused a sensation at the time of its broadcast and was recognized for its quality, winning the Best Drama and Best Screenplay awards in the TV category at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards. Excluding intermission, the play runs for 155 minutes, effectively condensing the 16-episode drama into a little over two episodes. As a result, pacing is crucial, and the production demonstrates masterful control.

The flow of the play, which quickly shows how each character becomes entangled in the beginning, is fast-allegro. For audience members unfamiliar with the original drama, there is a risk of missing the flow. On the other hand, those who know the original can appreciate how much effort the creators put into effectively condensing the story.

The protagonist, Jian, is a 21-year-old temporary worker struggling with loan shark debt left by her parents. She learns that the company CEO is trying to force her direct supervisor, Donghoon, out of the company. Jian approaches the CEO and offers to help oust Donghoon in exchange for money. However, as Jian comes to realize that Donghoon is a warm-hearted person, she gradually finds herself drawn to him.

The play shifts to an andante mood during the scene where Donghoon and Jian sit at the bar owned by Donghoon's friend Jeonghee, sharing drinks. As the two, who feel empathy and warmth toward each other, open up and share their true feelings, the pace of the play slows down. In the second act, the scene where Donghoon and his estranged wife Yunhee have a heartfelt conversation and resolve their misunderstandings also feels like an andante.

While the play unfolds events with a sense of urgency, it also demonstrates the virtue of taking its time with key scenes from the original drama-scenes that were praised for their warm and delicate emotional delivery-allowing for a focused and immersive experience. The atmosphere of the final scene, where Jian smiles for almost the only time in the original drama, is also delicately recreated.

Everyday objects-soju glasses raised by the characters, slippers Jian gives to Donghoon, and the black plastic bag Donghoon hands to Jian-are used as effective tools to convey warmth and comfort. The streetlights illuminating the entire stage serve the same purpose. Four streetlights gently embrace the dark stage, faithfully recreating the overall mood of the original drama.

The production is closer to chamber music than a symphony. Like chamber music, which is performed without a conductor and relies on the performers’ mutual coordination, the play’s ensemble completes the performance together. The show runs until the 27th.

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