Korea National Opera to Stage "Werther" Incorporating Cinematic Techniques and Ballet

The Korea National Opera will stage its first production of 2026 with "Werther," the renowned work by French composer Jules Massenet, at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center from April 23 to April 26.

The opera "Werther" is based on "The Sorrows of Young Werther," a novel by the great German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which drew from his own experiences.

The protagonist, Werther, finds himself in a tragic fate as he falls in love with Charlotte, who is already engaged. Charlotte, having promised to marry Albert according to her mother’s dying wish, gradually develops feelings for Werther. Even after Werther leaves on a journey and returns, he cannot control his emotions for Charlotte and ultimately borrows a gun from Albert to make an extreme choice.

The original novel had a profound impact on 18th-century European society, giving rise to what is known as the "Werther Effect."

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"Werther" showcases the essence of French lyric opera, blending Massenet’s signature delicate emotional portrayal with the profound sentiments of the original work. In particular, the role of Charlotte is performed by a mezzo-soprano, further bringing to life the character’s internal conflict between love and responsibility.

Film director Park Jongwon, known for movie adaptations of Lee Munyeol’s novels such as "Guro Arirang" and "Our Twisted Hero," will take on opera direction for the first time. Director Park plans to introduce a new stage language by incorporating cinematic techniques. He will design the stage to organically connect scene transitions, character movements, and reactions, and will also utilize video media techniques such as zoom-ins and flashbacks on stage.

Director Park will also integrate ballet to visualize the inner worlds of the characters. Professor Jo Juhyun from the Korea National University of Arts will join as choreographer, expressing through movement the consistent emotions of Werther and the wavering feelings of Charlotte.

The production will be conducted by Hong Seokwon, who has previously collaborated with the Korea National Opera on works such as "Nabucco" and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

The role of Werther, characterized by literary sensitivity and a tender heart, will be performed by tenors Lee Beomju and Kim Yohan. Lee Beomju won second place at the Verdi International Competition and first place at the Maria Caniglia International Competition, and has appeared in the Korea National Opera’s "La Traviata," "The Tales of Hoffmann," and "Il Trovatore." Kim Yohan won first place at both the Wilhelm Stenhammar International Music Competition in Sweden and the Vienna International Competition, and has performed in productions such as "Tosca" and "Falstaff" at European theaters, mainly in Germany.

The role of Charlotte will be performed by mezzo-sopranos Jung Jooyeon and Karis Tucker. Jung Jooyeon gained attention after placing third at the Leipzig Richard Wagner Competition and appeared as Hermia in the Korea National Opera’s 2024 production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." Karis Tucker was selected as an exchange vocalist last year through a collaboration between the Korea National Opera and the Deutsche Oper Berlin and previously played Princess Clarice in "The Love for Three Oranges."

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