In a recent television show, renowned actor Jo Jae-hyeon stressed the necessity of star-studded theater marketing in a recent to make audience turn to plays from musicals.
As if his dreams of boosting local dramas came true, a growing number of people are rushing to theaters in Daehangno, central Seoul.
This is because of "Yeongeuk Yeoljeon 2" (A Series of the Best Plays) now showing in the district. The plays started on Dec. 7 and will continue until Jan. 4 next year.
The best-play series project comes four years after the 2004 "Yeongeuk Yeoljeon 1" put 15 best picks selected from the works performed between 1980 and 2000 on stage.
The first one drew about 170,000 people over the year, contributing to boosting the theatrical drama industry in the district.
For the second series, a total of 11 plays are being staged. But this year's series are getting fresh input ― a star-studded cast with the efforts by its programmer Cho, and fresher varied works.
Jo returning as programmer
Jo, who himself played Allen in "Equus" in 2004's "Yeongeuk Yeoljoen", is busy coming up with the line-up of plays, casting, promotion and marketing.
He performed in "Kyungsugi, Kyungsugi's Father" directed by Park Keun-hyung, which received highly acclaimed reviews last year.
Cho frequently expressed his strong concerns about plays suffering from less popularity, compared to the booming musical industry in many TV shows and interviews.
As programmer of "Yeongeuk Yeoljeon 2", Jo has relied on inducing celebrities and stars to join the series. "There are some critical points of view about the star-studded casting because many people come only to see the star they like. But even if only five percent of those who see the play for the first time come again to see a play later, it is worth it", he said in the latest TV show.
Lineup
"Clumsy People" directed and written by Jang Jin, starring famous female actress Han Chae-young; "A Story of Old Thieves", directed by Kim Ji-hoon, who directed the film, "May 18"; "Blackbird" starring Choo Sang-mi; and "Educating Rita" casting Choi Hwa-jeong have been put on stage in the series, and have been sold out.
"The Return of Mr. Um" starring renowned actor Ko Soo just opened on May 23.
The selected plays are generally modern and directed by young and rising directors and writers.
"The series put new and old works including local and foreign translated works on stage. That's the difference from the first `Yeongeuk Yeoljeon'", Kim Nam-woo, an official of the Dongsoong Art Center, said.
He also said that although many works of the series are to be staged for the first time, many people are coming to see them and most of them are sold-out.
"It's because the works are very popular and easy. That's the programmer's choice", he said.
Also, many stars from the screen are joining the efforts to boost the sagging theater industry.
"A Life In The Theater", starring Lee Soon-jae; "Doraon Oemsajang" (The Return of Mr. Um) with Ko Soo; and "Waraino Daigaku" starring Moon Seong-geun will soon hit the stage.
Among the 11 picks, "The Return of Mr. Um" starring Ko Soo and "Mindeulre Baramdoioe" starring Jo Jae-hyeon are the hottest and newest works to watch.
The two works are an interesting comparison between the new and old ― rising director Kim Nak-hyung for "Mindeulre Baramdoioe" and veteran director Park Keun-hyung for "The Return of Mr. Um".
The "Yeongeuk Yeoljeon" is providing a breakthrough for flagging theaters by bringing quality plays. "It is hard to receive corporate sponsorship for plays in small theaters unlike blockbuster musicals. But there are increasing inquiries about sponsorship for the plays of `Yeongeuk Yeoljeon 2'. It might be because of the heightened image of the small theater plays", Choi Yeo-jung, an official of the Dongsoong Art Center, said.
For more information, call (02) 766-6007 and (02) 741-3391.
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