It’s been a year since the National Theater of Korea introduced its “repertoire season” system, where the state-run organization announces its troupes’ schedules ahead of the start of its yearly season.

A total of seven troupes belong to the NTOK, including the National Theater Company of Korea, the Korea National Ballet, the Korea National Opera, the National Dance Company of Korea, the National Changgeuk Company of Korea, the National Orchestra Company of Korea, and the National Chorus of Korea.

On Monday the company unveiled its program for the second season, which kicks off on Aug. 14 and runs until June 28 next year. The season features a total of 63 works including 13 premieres. 

The first edition of the “repertoire season” last year enjoyed success, especially with the performances by traditional troupes ― the National Changguek Company of Korea and the National Dance Company of Korea ― which did not attract much interest from contemporary viewers in the past.

“I think we did a lot better than what we expected,” said National Theater of Korea President Ahn Ho-sang. “Many were concerned about how we would pull this off when we did not have too many signature repertoires. But we managed to draw in viewers, especially to our traditional performances, and the experience gave us a lot of confidence in ourselves.”

For the first time in the troupe’s history, tickets for three of the National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s performances ― “Janghwa Hongryeon,” “Seopyeonje,” and “Baebijangjeon” ― sold out.

The three pieces were the result of the troupe’s efforts to make “changgeuk,” or traditional Korean opera, more accessible to today’s public. “Janghwa Hongryeon,” for one, combines Korea’s traditional vocal and percussion music, pansori, with contemporary horror theater. The three pieces are being performed again in the upcoming season.

The National Dance Company of Korea, who performs pieces based solely on Korean traditional dance, also introduced pieces that were innovative and more accessible to today’s viewers last season. The troupe staged “Altar,” which was choreographed by popular choreographer Ahn Sung-soo ― he is also noted for his work in ballet ― and featured costumes designed by popular fashion designer Jung Kuho.

“Altar” is also being restaged during the upcoming season, while the troupe is presenting another collaboration piece with designer Jung, titled “Mookhyang,” as well.

Some of the notable works being premiered in the upcoming season includes the National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s “Chunhyang” directed by popular musical director Jang Yoo-jung, who is best known for “Finding Mr. Destiny,” one of the most popular productions from Seoul’s Daehangno theater district. It is her first time directing changgeuk.

Popular play director Koh Sun-woong (“Azure Day,” “King Rear”) is also making his changgeuk directing debut with the troupe in the upcoming season.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)