a scene from “Namsadangeui Haneul” (Sky of Namsadang), which will be the first to take the stage for the year-long event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Korean contemporary theater at ArKo Arts Center, central Seoul, starting from March 27 to April 6.
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

``Eunsegye'' (The Silver World) by Lee In-jik, was staged in Wongaksa ― now Chongdong Theater, the first modern theater in Seoul on Nov. 15 in 1908.

This play paved the way for a new era in theater, improving on the Korean traditional opera.

Since then, the Korean theater scene has witnessed vicissitudes marked by turbulent times over the last century.

Now, it is facing mixed emotions as it commemorates the 100th anniversary of its establishment as the waning industry of the theatrical arena is dwarfed by the booming musical industry and light-hearted shows.

The National Theater Association of Korea (NTAK) will celebrate the anniversary of the nation's contemporary theater with various events and projects throughout this year.

``Namsadangeui Haneul'' (Sky of Namsadang) will be the first to take the stage for the year-long event at ArKo Arts Center, central Seoul, starting from March 27, World Theater's Day.

The performance stars a total of 64 actors and actresses of the theater troupe Michoo, including veteran actress Kim Sung-nyo, who will play the role of Baudeogi, and Yoon Mun-sik.

The traditional play, which will cost about 180 million won to produce, will portray the life of Baudeogi, the first female leader of the wandering troupe. She had many special talents and an artistic nature.

The play reinterprets six episodes of Namsadang into theatrical artistry. It includes a tumbling performance, a puppet show, a masque play, followed by outdoor performances in which the audience can take part.

The show will be directed by primary director Sohn Jin-chaek, and will run until April 6.

An array of other various events is also planned for the year.

The NTAK will also publish a book on the nation's 100-year theatrical history, in both Korean and English.

Additionally, other plays including ``Mountain Pig'' by Kim Woo-jin, June 8-14; ``Hometown'' by Park Seung-hee, June 17-22; and ``Wonsulrang'' by Yu Chi-in, June 25-30, will be staged by young actors and directors.

Also, 18 small theaters and troupes nationwide will unite for a festival in September and October.

Theater troupes from 15 cities nationwide will hold a drama festival at ArKo Arts Center, Dec. 9-31.

The National Theater of Korea will hold an event titled ``Korean Theater, 100th Anniversary: The Festival Must Go On.''

The National Drama Company, the resident company of the theater, will put ``Yaraeja'' on stage at the Main Hall from May 27 to June 1. The drama directed and written by Oh Tae-suk, prominent artistic director of the company, will be based on a tale from the late 13th century history book, ``Samgukyusa.''

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will stage ``Martyred'' by Korean American playwright Kim Eun-sook at M Theater from May 10 to June 1. The drama will shed light on the issue of modern people facing harsh realities.

Chongdong Theater will perform ``Eunsegye'' directed by Sohn Jin-chaek on stage in November.

Also, private small theaters are rushing to hold plays to mark the centennial anniversary. Theater company Sanwoollim is now showing the ``Foreign Problem Theater Series,'' which began last month.

``Blind Touch'' directed by Kim Kwang-bo will end March 16, to be followed by Nobel laureate Harold Pinter's ``Ashes to Ashes'' directed by Park Jung-hee from March 21.

chungay@koreatimes.co.kr