The After: Part One
‘Searching for one’s origins begins from re-encountering one’s childhood’
'The beginning of this journey and a change of perspective at TYA research centre'
'It's fun, it's accessible, and it's deep'
The Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) Research Centre of NTCK, here in Seoul, was set up on May 2nd 2011. It was purposely designed by the National Theatre Company of Korea to undertake research and discoveries for creating new theatre for younger audiences. The main activities, which are the framework of the centre, include producing and touring performances, devising new works and conducting an on-going research programme of young people right here in Korea. The producing side of this centre is aimed at creating a new type of communication with audiences, with questions surrounding how society is viewed which is shown through a contemporary style of theatre. A repertoire of productions since 2011 include ‘Boys Did It’, ‘Red Bus’, ‘Ostrich Boys’ and ‘The Ballads for Roxane’. Which, all at hand, make use of exploring modern day drama and people. I have included pictures here of rehearsal shots from these performances and others alike.
Moving on, we have the ‘Creative Incubator Program’. Incubator. What a word to describe the opportunities the NTC offers to creatives over here. ‘Incubator’. I imagine this word was chosen to describe an enclosed artistic space, providing controlled and protective care for these newly emerged ideas and programs. What makes up this program is three projects, ‘Little Theatre, Big Actor’, ‘Are you a TYA writer?’ and the ‘Creative Lab’.
What is 'Little Theatre'?
A program which provides workshops on solo and children's theatre. The work sheds a light on the role of actors being artists, whilst developing a form of performance through which the actor actively find and meet the audiences. Different common theatre styles are used within this type performance; uses of picture books, varied objects and baby theatre culminates together every August in Korea, in a project called 'Little Theatres on a Midsummer Night' which is an open festival for audiences of all ages. To date over 100 artists have presented their solo work, which has visited high schools, community centres, street art festivals and libraries.
What is 'Are you a TYA writer'?
This programme is a collaborative process which brings together writers, directors and actors. It was launched in 2012 in order widen the foundation for developing theatre for younger people through new plays in Korea. Through open applications, creative workshops, and reading showcases, three plays have been created every year. And have all been staged at the National Theatre Company of Korea. From the performances each play has been distributed to theatre clubs in junior high or high schools, as well as TYA creators.
What is the 'CREATIVE LAB'?
The Creative Lab explores a more fundamental meaning and potentials of theatre through an active engagement and connection betweens teenagers and artists. In 2013, the project covered three areas of sound, movement and space. In 2014, it expanded into a Korean-UK international collaboration. Then in 2015; dance, clothes, and words were the main idea for performance. From 2016 - 17/and on young set designers, poet, media artists, choreographers, directors and rappers explored the technique of performance with teenagers. Which provided the foundation for our play 'Orange Polar Bear'. A major scale production bringing the culture of Korean language and home with that of English traditions. This would be the start of work over a 4 year process, from 2014 - 2018. The research centre and Hanyong theatre company would be two features in conjunction with the play, with teenagers giving their experiences of being a young person. Korean actors and British actors would then collaborate to produce a story of the life of being brought up in Korea and England ... later along with a British and Korean writer a fresh take on the story of two young faces, William and Jiyoung would be produced.
And you can follow that story on our blog about life within the rehearsals.
Catch Orange Polar Bear at the National Theatre Company of Korea: 11th-21st October and The Birmingham Rep: 1st-10th November.