Engaging Five-Hour Performance Challenges Audiences' Perception of Tragedy and Revenge

NTCK

Taking on a formidable task, the National Theater Company of Korea presents "This Restless House," a contemporary adaptation of the revered Greek trilogy "Oresteia" by English playwright Zinnie Harris. With this ambitious endeavor, the company confronts the challenge of captivating the audience's attention across a marathon five-hour performance.

During a recent rehearsal open to the press, the first part of the production exceeded two hours, offering a glimpse into the monumental scale of the entire performance — the longest ever staged by the NTCK. Director Kim Jeong, at the helm of the Korean premiere, expressed his anticipation for this demanding work, sharing his admiration for the source material.

"I had been waiting for an intense work like this," Kim revealed during a subsequent press conference. Awarded the 2017 Dong-A Theater Award for his work on "Guests," Kim discussed his enthusiasm upon encountering the script of "This Restless House."

"The enduring appeal of the original 'Oresteia,' spanning over 2,500 years, stems from its ability to probe into the depths of human nature," Kim reflected. "Harris has ingeniously reimagined this timeless tale in a manner that resonates with the contemporary audience while retaining the core essence of the narrative."

At the heart of the Greek original is King Agamemnon's tumultuous return from the victorious Trojan War to confront his vengeful wife, Queen Clytemnestra. Her resentment is fueled by the sacrificial offering of their eldest daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the gods before the war. This tragic cycle continues with bloody retribution and a subsequent series of family murders, ultimately leading to the emergence of justice.

Harris' adaptation shines a spotlight on the women of the story. In her reimagining, the first part is led by Clytemnestra and Iphigenia, while the role of Electra takes center stage in the second part, steering the path of vengeance. A novel character, Audrey, enters the narrative in the third part, an enigmatic psychiatrist transcending time and space. Electra, also unbound by her own dimensions, seeks solace through therapy sessions with Audrey, exploring shared traumas and confronting their pasts.

The production delves into the intricate question of whether the cycle of revenge can be broken, all while probing the deep-seated scars of those who have faced tragedy.

Scheduled to run from August 31 to September 24 at the Myeongdong Theater in central Seoul, the performance challenges audiences with its five-hour duration, commencing at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends. English subtitles will be available on Thursdays and Sundays, excluding the August 31 performance. Recommended for those aged 16 and above, the production promises an immersive exploration of human nature's complexities against the backdrop of an enduring Greek classic.

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