CJ Towol Theater to Host Production Amid Japanese Occupation, Featuring a Blend of Opera and Artistic Defiance

Courtesy of OD Company

The highly anticipated musical "Il Tenore" is set to grace the stage at the CJ Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center from December 22, 2023, to February 25, 2024. The musical transports audiences to the turbulent 1930s in Korea, characterized by fervent independence movements and artistic defiance, against the backdrop of the 1910-45 Japanese occupation of Korea and the years leading up to the 1950-53 Korean War.

"Il Tenore" revolves around the character of Yun I-seon, portrayed by the trio of leading actors. Initially, Yun aspires to become a doctor at his parents' urging, but he discovers a hidden talent for opera singing. This revelation fuels his dream of becoming Korea's first operatic tenor. 

▲ 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

The musical also weaves the story of Seo Jin-yeon, a courageous leader of an independence activist group operating under the guise of a literary club. Seo directs Yun's first opera while organizing anti-Japanese activities.

Another pivotal character is Lee Su-han, an architecture student passionately involved in the fight for Korean independence. He joins the opera production as a set designer with the goal of kindling patriotic sentiments.

The production draws inspiration from the life of Lee In-seon (1906-60), a pioneering tenor and doctor. Lee was the first Korean to study singing in Milan and presented "La Traviata" in 1948, marking the first opera performance in Korea. 

▲ 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

"Il Tenore" benefits from the creative collaboration between composer Will Aronson and lyricist Hue Park, who have co-written the book for the musical. Director Kim Dong-yeon, renowned for past productions including "Death Note" and "Maybe Happy Ending," leads the creative team, which features choreographer Connor Gallagher and set designer Oh Pil-young. An 18-piece orchestra will provide the musical backdrop.

Produced by OD Company under the guidance of Shin Chun-soo, "Il Tenore" aspires to reach a global audience and become a stepping stone for the company to venture onto the international stage. The musical explores the compelling narrative of a real-life character against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation in the 1930s, promising to touch audiences worldwide.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com