By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
It has been a year since Cha Bum-suk (1924-2006), one of the most prominent realist playwrights, passed away. But his legacy continues through one of his masterpieces.
``Forest Fire,'' which has been recognized as the most distinguished realist play in the modern Korean theatrical arena, premiered in 1962.
The work has been frequently adapted into films, TV dramas and operas over the last 45 years.
But this time, the musical version, based on the original play, will debut on stage July 8.
Before experiencing the musical version, there is a good opportunity for audiences to enjoy the original play directed by Lim Young-woong.
The National Drama Company of Korea presents ``Forest Fire'' at Small Hall, Dal of the National Theater of Korea from June 22-29.
``Forest Fire'' was first staged at the Myeongdong Theatre in 1962 as the 29th regular performance of the national troupe.
Set during the Korean War (1950-1953), the play explores human desire and sadness, history, and various events surrounding an injured guerilla gunman named Gyu-bok, who finds himself in a widows' village located in the Sobaek Mountains.
Jum-rye, a widow, who lost her husband during the war, hides him in a bamboo grove.
Jum-rye and Gyu-bok develop a physical relationship and eventually fall in love.
But Sa-wol, another widow in the village whose husband was killed by South Korean troops, asks Jum-rye to share the man in return for keeping secret about the relationship.
While the three become entangled in the strange relationship, rumors about the man spread several months later when Sa-wol becomes pregnant. Then South Korean troops threaten the villagers that they will set the mountain afire to seek out hiding guerillas.
The play focuses on human desires and emotions, depicting much more than just the ideology of the war.
The reunion of Cha and Lim, a masterly director of realist plays, is expected to raise high expectations for the revival of the 45-year-old play.
The play will be performed in Korean with English subtitles. Tickets are priced from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4115/6.