Actor Lee Young-ae is in talks to make her stage return in the LG Arts Center’s production of the play "Hedda Gabler."
“We are currently discussing Lee Young-ae’s participation in 'Hedda Gabler,' but nothing has been finalized yet,” an LG Arts Center official told The Korea Herald on Thursday.
"Hedda Gabler" is scheduled to run from May 7 to June 8 at LG Arts Center Seoul.
One of the most renowned works by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, the play explores themes of societal expectations and personal identity through its titular character -- a complex figure trapped in an unwanted marriage and home.
Director Jun In-chul, known for productions such as "Women on Earth," "Kyrie" and "I Am a Murderer," will helm the production.
Lee, who debuted in 1990 in commercial advertisements, has built a distinguished career in film and television. She received critical acclaim for her performances in "One Fine Spring Day" (2001) and Park Chan-wook’s "Joint Security Area" (2001) and gained international fame as a Hallyu pioneer with her role in the megahit drama "Jewel in the Palace" (2003–2004). Last year, she portrayed an orchestra conductor in the drama "Maestra" and is set to star in the upcoming series "A Lucky Day" and "Royal Physician Dae Jang-geum" (working title).
Although best known for her screen roles, Lee has prior theater experience, having appeared in "Jajangmyeon," a 1993 play commemorating the opening of the Arts Council Korea’s Jayu Small Theater. The production, which explored the Gwangju Democratic Uprising, has remained her only stage appearance to date.
If Lee’s participation in "Hedda Gabler" is confirmed, it will mark her return to the stage after 32 years.
In what could be a theatrical showdown, the National Theater Company of Korea is also staging "Hedda Gabler," helmed by its artistic director, Park Jeong-hee. Running from May 8 to June 1 at the Myeongdong Arts Theater, the play will feature veteran actress Lee Hye-young, who first tackled the role in 2012 premiere of Park's production.
