Male Ballet Stars to Shine in ‘Spartacus’

By Seo Dong-shin

Staff Reporter

When the Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC) staged the Russian version of ``Spartacus’’ in 2001 for the first time in Asia, it drew lavish reviews from the local media, which praised Korean ballet for having come so far from nothing in such a short time.

After six years, the KNBC will stage the piece again this month, in cooperation with the Novosibirsk State Academic Ballet Theatre from Russia, which is led by Yuri Grigorovich. Grigorovich choreographed ``Spartacus,’’ known for its grandiose male group dancing acts, to the music of Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978).

The performance will serve as another yardstick to gauge how Korean ballet has developed over the last six years, with a focus on male ballet dancers.

The plot is based on the story of a slave uprising against the Romans, known as the Third Seville War or the ``Gladiator War.’’ Spartacus, a slave-turned-rebellion leader, has often been described as a masculine hero who rose against his unfortunate fate and suffered heroically.

Two male stars leading the local ballet scene are set to add a dose of masculine beauty to the piece as they alternate in the role of Spartacus.

Lee Won-guk, who played Spartacus six years ago, is arguably the oldest active male ballet dancer here. After leaving KNBC in 2004, he began his own dance company, but joined ``Spartacus’’ again to the joy of fans.

``The role requires as much energy as that required by a marathoner. But don’t worry, I feel more energetic now than in the past,’’ the 40-year-old said as he laughed off a question about whether he still feels up to doing the part during a press conference last Wednesday. ``I am full of expectations to portray a different aspect of Spartacus (than in 2001).’’

Kim Joo-won, Benoise de la Danse prize-winning star ballerina who will play Spartacus’ lover, Frigia, was quick to side with her partner. ``I actually think he has gotten better than in 2001, in terms of strength, speed and feeling.’’

Kim Hyun-woong, a 26-year-old character soloist with KNBC will alternate with Lee in the role of Spartacus. With what critics and fans call a ``perfect body’’ _ he is 183 centimeters tall and weighs 72-74 kilograms _ Kim has enjoyed a sizeable fan base but has yet to solidify his reputation, as he has not been very active since last year due to injury and rehabilitation training.