Hit play returns to breathe life into Korea's theatrical industry

By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, Feb. 3 (Yonhap) -- Unlike South Korea's cinema and television industries,
which saw dramatic expansion in recent years, theatrical performances here have
long been abandoned by local audiences, with adaptations from foreign plays
barely able to keep the industry afloat.
"Dandelion Becoming the Wind," created by the small South Korean theater company
Best Plays Inc., was among the very few domestic productions that managed to sell
over 5,000 tickets last year.
But ticket sales don't reflect the scale of the play's success. It actually
achieved far more.
Performances of "Dandelion" were sold out for nearly three months starting in
November, a first for a locally produced play. The production drew audiences of
more than 20,000, mostly in their mid-30s to 40s, proving there is still room for
an onstage drama amid the country's wildly popular onscreen alternatives.
The play tells the story of a heart-to-heart conversation between an old man who
sits at the foot of his wife's grave. The story follows his reminiscences about
their youthful and at times agonizing marriage. "Dandelion" will go on a repeat
run starting Feb. 13.
The play's second run will feature actors Cho Jae-hyun, Jung Woong-in and Ahn
Nae-sang, all of whom enjoy wide popularity among Korean audiences and whose
participation has built up anticipation.
"We have long believed that theatrical plays were for a few devotees. I had a
feeling this play could rid people of that prejudice once and for all," Ahn told
a press gathering Tuesday. "The script itself holds a certain quality that makes
it possible for audiences to be immersed in the play regardless of who is playing
the characters."
"I'm not a man of many tears, but this play makes me cry every time," Jung said.
"I hope people come to the play, find us, find themselves and also find a future
in Korean theater."
The company behind the production vowed to put on stage only plays that have
never been shown before. Its stated goal since being founded in 2004 has been to
expand the popularity of plays to all generations while luring more young and
emerging actors and directors to the theatrical world.
The company produced 11 plays last year, including "Shape of Things" and "Night
Mother," attracting over 180,000 patrons despite the longstanding slump in
Korea's theater arena.
"Dandelion" will run through Jun. 7 with tickets available for 35,000 won (US$25)
for adults. For more information, visit www.idsartcenter.co.kr or call (02)
766-6007.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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