The Before
After careful research found in history books of the National Theatre Company of Korea (NTCK), and discussions with the creatives. I bring to you the history of Hanyong Theatre Company’s extensive work…which will lead up to the present project of the production ‘Orange Polar Bear’. This the first of many blogs titled ‘the before, the after and now’. You, the reader, will be able to explore to how far the NTCK, Hanyong Theatre Company and ‘Orange Polar Bear’ have come.
So first, welcome reader to the before…
Let’s look at who the National Theatre Company of Korea (NTCK) are? Well they have been creating theatre for more than 65 years in the vibrant culture of Korea, with the proud vision to be an actor’s theatre that focuses on the diverse dialogue of Korean identity. Through newly interpreted world classics, as well as new writings, the company to date has presented more than twenty new productions every year. Take a look at timeline I have put together for you.
1950. The NTCK was born. The first production was ‘Won sul rang’ – The General’s Son.
1953. The Korean War. So the company moved to Daegu, a metropolitan city in South Korea.
1957. The Korean War ended. NTCK ran their work at the Myeongdong Theatre.
1972. NTCK performed their last performance at Myeongdong, called ‘Songhakjoeng’.
1973. They became the resident company of the National theatre in Jangchoong dong.
1975. Myeongdong Theatre was closed.
2009. Myeongdong Theatre re-opened.
2010. NTCK celebrates its 60th Anniversary. And registered as an independent company. Opening 2 accessible studio theatre space in Seoul.
2011. The Greek classic ‘Oedipus’ opened at the Myeongdong theatre.
2014. Peter Wynne Willson collaborates with NTCK to create a multi-lingual piece of theatre aimed at teenagers, both Korean and English called ‘Chaos’.
2015. Back now in its original home where it was in 1950’s. The company began it’s new season along with 17 talented actors.
Myeongdong Theatre in the 1950's.
Onwards, work still continues to drive forward and strive right here in it's home in Korea. Offering writers, directors and performers the opportunities to develop work for it's stages. Along with the Hanyong company and the Research centre of NTCK, a worldwind of collaborating work over in Seoul and Handsworth, Birmingham.
Catch Orange Polar Bear at the National Theatre Company of Korea: 11th-21st October and The Birmingham Rep: 1st-10th November.