The Before: Part 2
Here are a few highlights of past and present seasons which the National Theater Company of Korea have scripted, re-imagined and entertained with stories for Korean audiences, as well other nationalities who may have visited and had the opportunity to see what theatre it has to offer. All of which will drive us towards William and Jiyoungs story in 'Orange Polar Bear'.
From 2015, under the direction of artistic director Kim Yun-Cheol (President of the International Association of Theatre Critics), work was focused on building relationships and communicating on a global scale to develop the nation’s topical issues with international themes. As mentioned in the previous blog, the theatre would inspire to be an actor’s theatre where, for its audiences, the doors would be open to welcome everybody, at any time of the year. You may be familiar with such work from British and international writers such as William Shakespeare, Anton Checkov, Keith Gray, Park Choon-keun and Kim Woo-jin. A list that showcases culture, themes and styles of modern day theatre, Brechtian, liberation and oppression, comedy and love.
'Winters Tale', NT day of Culture, 'Three Sisters' & 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Many of which I must say are of my favourites too. Especially Romeo and Juliet, a real romancer at heart I am. Looking at 2018 and onwards...NTCK is still enlightening theatre goers, from using a vast amount of different spaces such as the Daloreum and Haneul stages, and also outside venues including Seoul Arts Centre, LOTTE CONCERT HALL and LG Arts Centre. Quoting from the official website: the '2018-2019 National Repertory Season will take a deep breath and earnest step, allowing people to experience the today and tomorrow of Korean tradition'. Which now brings us up to the next blog, called the After, where I will be discussing collaborative work between the NTCK, Hanyong Theatre Company and the research centre of NTCK. A powerful connection to establish the need of work for young people.
Catch Orange Polar Bear at the National Theatre Company of Korea: 11th-21st October and The Birmingham Rep: 1st-10th November.
#orangepolarbear #오렌지북극곰 #seasons #internationalrelations #playsoldandnew #theatre #drama #stages #koreanvsbritish