Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
New musical 'Il Tenore' to portray dreams, struggles in 1930s Korea
From left, actors Hong Kwang-ho, Park Eun-tae and Seo Kyung-soo will play Yun I-seon, the protagonist of the upcoming musical "Il Tenore" who dreams of becoming Korea's first operatic tenor, at the CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center. Courtesy of OD Company
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Prepare to be transported to the turbulent 1930s in Korea, an era marked by vigorous independence movements and artistic defiance, as the highly anticipated musical "Il Tenore" takes to the stage at the CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center from Dec. 22 to Feb. 25, 2024.
The production stars Hong Kwang-ho, Park Eun-tae and Seo Kyung-soo in a riveting blend of opera and resistance against the 1910-45 Japanese occupation of Korea in the years leading up to the 1950-53 Korean War.
At the heart of the musical is Yun I-seon, portrayed by the trio of leading actors. Initially, a dutiful student aspiring to become a doctor at his parents' insistence, Yun discovers an untapped talent in opera singing and, spurred by this revelation, dreams of becoming Korea’s first operatic tenor.
Parallel to Yun's artistic journey is the story of Seo Jin-yeon, a gutsy leader of an independence activist group which operates under the guise of a literary club. Played by stage veterans Kim Ji-hyun, Park Ji-yeon and Hong Ji-hee, Seo directs Yun's first opera while orchestrating anti-Japanese activities.
Another key character Lee Su-han, played by Jeon Jae-hong and Shin Sung-min, is an architecture student passionately involved in the fight for Korean independence. He becomes part of the opera production as a set designer with an aim of stirring patriotic feelings among the populace.
Inspirations for "Il Tenore" were drawn from the life of Lee In-seon (1906-60). A pioneering tenor and doctor, Lee was the first from Korea to study singing in Milan and to present an opera in his home country ―“La Traviata” ― in 1948.
From left, actors Kim Ji-hyun, Park Ji-yeon and Hong Ji-hee portray Seo Jin-yeon, who leads independence actitivies disguised as a literary club, in "Il Tenore." Courtesy of OD Company
Adding another layer of depth to "Il Tenore" is the creative powerhouse duo of composer Will Aronson and lyricist Hue Park, who have also co-written the book for the musical. Known for their previous collaboration on "Maybe Happy Ending," the pair have once again combined their artistic ingenuity to craft a compelling storyline as well as music.
Director Kim Dong-yeon, renowned for past productions such as "Death Note" and "Maybe Happy Ending," heads the creative team, which includes choreographer Connor Gallagher and set designer Oh Pil-young. An 18-piece orchestra will offer a rich auditory backdrop.
Produced by OD Company under the helm of Shin Chun-soo, "Il Tenore" aims to resonate not just in Korea but globally, serving as a stepping stone for the company to go international.
"Set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s, the story has a compelling twist on the archetypal plot of a real-life character, dramatizing a personal narrative," producer Shin said.
"Together with the creative team, we will present a work that will touch audiences around the world."