REVIEW Musical 'Mata Hari' offers different perspective on iconic femme fatale
Singer-turned-musical actress Ok Joo-hyun in musical “Mata Hari” / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
By Dong Sun-hwa
Dancer Mata Hari (1876-1917) is portrayed as a seductive double agent and an archetype of femme fatale in many movies and series. Although the true story behind this Netherlands-born dancer ― who was executed for espionage by a French firing squad ― remains largely unknown, Mata Hari has been mostly noted for her lethality and boldness, just like other well-known female spies such as Yoshiko Kawashima (1907-1948), who served Japan.
A poster for the musical “Mata Hari” / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
But EMK Musical Company's original production “Mata Hari” offers a different perspective on the exotic dancer, depicting her as a scapegoat of World War I (1914-18). In this theatrical show, Georges Ladoux ― the head of the French military intelligence ― forces her to spy for France as she could cross borders amid the ongoing war thanks to her connection to high-ranking officials in different European countries. She refuses to do so at first, but takes part in espionage activities in Germany in the end so as to reunite with her lover Armand, a French pilot who was hospitalized in Germany after taking on a risky mission.
One of the most remarkable things about the musical is that it features a character representing Mata Hari's young alter ego. The young Mata Hari, who is called by her real name Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, visualizes her emotions with sleek dance moves, sharing the storms and vicissitudes of her life. The fact that young girl never grows up seems to show that the dancer still has not completely overcome the pain of her tragic past.
In “Mata Hari,” which was directed by Kwon Eun-ah, singer-turned-musical actress Ok Joo-hyun, who alternates the main role with Solar of K-pop girl group MAMAMOO, lives up to her reputation. She fully immerses herself in her character, successfully portraying the multi-faceted protagonist who is an alluring dancer and a powerless victim of political conflicts. Although there are not many scenes featuring Mata Hari's mesmerizing dancing, Ok displays her incredible vocal bravura in the numbers like “I Won't Go Back” and “The Last Dance.” The music was composed by Frank Wildhorn and the lyrics were written by Jack Murphy.
A scene from the musical “Mata Hari” / Courtesy of EMK Musical Company
FTISLAND's Lee Hong-gi and BTOB's Lee Chang-sub alternate the role of Armand with actors Kim Sung-sik and Yoon So-ho. In the case of Lee Hong-gi, the vocalist of his band, excels in depicting Armand, a warm-hearted man striving to protect his lover.
The crown jewel of the three-hour show is the performance of “What Am I To Do?” the last number of Act 1 for which Mata Hari, Armand and Ladoux ― played by actors Choi Min-chul and Kim Paul ― sing of their confusion and disorientation. The three sing in great harmony on a moving podium, but they cannot meet or see each other.
“Mata Hari” premiered in 2016 and is currently on the third run. It will be staged until Aug. 15 at the Charlotte Theater in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul.