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And now it's time for our daily arts and culture segment with Yim Yoonhee live in the studio.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
What do you have for us today?
Today I have a musical. It's based on the story of a legendary figure in Korean history.
It's a creative piece done by the Seoul Performing Arts Company, and I must say I was very impressed
by the costumes, and the overall production of the show.
Let's take a look.
[VIDEO START] It's a story of friendship...love...and war.
Since the days when tribes fought against each other for territory on the Korean peninsula,
the story of Soseono has trickled down through the years.
Known as the mother of the crown Prince of Goguryeo, Soseono's tale has been told on
many different accounts...but here she's the loving partner of Jumong ...and one of the
founding leaders of the Goguryeo and Baekje kingdom.
Soseono and Jumong met in their youth while training...preparing to fight for their kingdoms.
And instead, a friendship bloomed...one that would later turn into a story of love and
support, and Jumong and Soseono become the leaders of Goguryeo.
[KOREAN INTERVIEW] "There's not a single written piece of evidence
of Soseono from Goguryeo . In fact the only few sentences that exist are from Baekje , and
we've based everything on those few lines. If it's only based on history all of the stories
sound the same, so we've created something new. For example,
the white funeral procession flags behind me are usually all white but we placed a black
shroud around it to show a different side to the procession and to the entire story."
The Seoul Performing Arts Company isn't new to the art of recreating the historical.
Since 1986 they've been producing one-of-a-kind creative works for the stages...both in Korea
and around the world.
Though it's classified as a musical, their newest production Soseono is filled with a
never ending wave of action scenes. The actors fly through the air, sword in hand,
as they fight for the Goguryeo. And there's not a single dull moment, throughout
the entire performance...as the dramatic story of Jumong and his journey to the throne unfolds.
[KOREAN INTERVIEW] PARK Young-su, plays role of "Jumong"
"Act 2 opens with a war scene where you'll see Jumong's ambitions clash with Soseono's
motherly spirit. Jumong conjurs strength from the ground as he advances forward with his
soldiers whereas Soseono stands from above and leads them with her spirit. Even though
no blood is shed in
the fights, you can see all the emotions through our body expressions. "
It's a story that took place thousands of years ago, and now it's being brought back
to life on the stage. But what happens when there are two people
and just one spot for a leader? That's where Soseono's and Jumong's son Yuri
enters the story...and it's up to him to rule the kingdoms.
The mystery of Soseono and her exact role centuries ago may never be known, but it's
a story of Korea and it's people's history...colored by the imagination.
You're right the costumes are really something. I know you told me that the performance is
only here for a short time, right?
Yes unfortunately it's only here in Seoul through this week.
Next week they'll be moving down to Chungcheongnamdo. They really want to share this performance
because the Seoul Performing Arts Company makes it a point to contribute to the culture
of Korea by producing and sharing very creative works like Soseono.
Soseono is really a powerful female figure. I'm wondering is this musical at all inspired
by our President PARK Geun-hye?
It's funny you ask. I asked that same exact question to the director
and she said many many people asked her that as well.
The answer she gave me is no, it wasn't intentional but she did say it's pretty amazing how so
many people are inspired by our president and see her as such a leading figure.
Okay well thank you for that. We'll see you again tomorrow.
My pleasure. See you then.