ARKO's selections inspired by true events, novels, movies, reflecting deep contemplation on artists, forms of art
For 17 years, Arts Council Korea, a government-funded organization dedicated to fostering artistic creativity and cultural exchange, has served as a platform showcasing new works of performing arts headlined under ARKO Selection.
Starting this month, 31 productions will be staged at venues across Seoul throughout the year, presenting fresh perspectives and innovation.
The second batch of new productions unveiled this week draws inspiration from fiction, real-life events and films, as well as deep reflections on artists and their art forms.
Among the highlights is musical “Nellie Bly,” based on the true story of the eponymous American journalist, who famously went undercover to expose the harsh realities of a mental institution in her groundbreaking investigative report.
Playwright Kim Min-sung said that he found compelling the blend of a powerful character and timeless messages in her story that resonate strongly with today's audience.
"I first came across the figure of Nellie Bly and I felt that she possessed an extraordinary strength. At the same time, I reflected on contemporary incidents and accidents ― such as factory mishaps or forced institutionalizations in psychiatric hospitals ― which continue to happen even now. These same issues were occurring over 130 years ago. This led me to question how we might address these problems today," Kim said. "With the hope of conveying a meaningful message, we decided to create this work."
“Nellie Bly” runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 16 at SH Art Hall in Daehangno, Seoul’s theater district.
In contemporary dance, “Nyeong, the Princess’s Way” is an omnibus program of five distinct pieces featuring 12 male dancers. The work is inspired by the historical tale of King Taejong of the Joseon era, who faced critical decisions about the succession of his three sons: Yangnyeong, Hyoryeong and Chungnyeong. "Nyeong" is a Korean word for "peace."
“Using a true story creates a sense of familiarity, which helps ensure continuity and commercial success,” said producer Jung Hyun-wook during a press conference. Jung also noted that the production reflects a deep contemplation on the sustainability of male dancers' careers in traditional Korean dance.
“Having extensive experience in the Korean dance community, I've observed that both the artistic value of this community and the dancers themselves are deeply concerned about how long they can sustain their careers as dancers,” he added.
The project was initiated with those concerns in mind, Jung explained. "As we explored various dances suitable for Korean male dancers, we decided to incorporate pieces such as Taepyeongmu, Hallyangmu, Seungmu and Salpuri, which are traditional dances for male dancers,” Jung said.
“Nyeong, the Princess’s Way” will be staged at the Arko Theater on Saturday and Sunday.
Yun Eun-hwa, who has transformed the paradigm of the yanggeum, or Korean dulcimer, hopes to bring the instrument one step closer to the public with her performance titled “Guracheolsageum: Ta.”
"Guracheolsageum" is an old name for the "yanggeum," which literally refers to a stringed instrument of the West. Though stringed, the yanggeum is a percussion instrument.
“My focus is on introducing the yanggeum to the public and showcasing its versatility from traditional to contemporary styles. By blending the instrument's inherent coolness as a string instrument with its powerful percussive qualities, we aim to present a harmonious combination of melodic and rhythmic elements in this work,” Yun said.
“Guracheolsageum: Ta" is set to go on stage Feb. 8 and 9 at Gurumare Theater in Daehangno, Seoul.
"I'll Relieve You: Remaster" by duo 2N Square is the culmination of a project initiated in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide comfort and solace to individuals with Korea’s "haewon" culture. Haewon refers to the act of releasing or resolving deep-seated resentments or grievances. One of the ways to achieve this is via traditional Korean shaman rituals known as "gut."
The project explores various art forms of gut and more.
"I wanted this performance to serve as a momentary solace, a place where we can all rest for a while,” said Kim Seong-geun, who is both a producer and a performer.
Meanwhile, two productions that enjoyed success in other forms will be brought to the stage.
“Rappaccini's Secret Garden,” inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic short story “Rappaccini's Daughter,” began as a graduation project for the playwright and composer. It was introduced as a 50-minute showcase and now, after three years of fine-tuning, it is being reintroduced as a 110-minute musical.
This production delves into themes of human loneliness, fear and the complexities of love, questioning whether love can ever truly be an absolute good.
“Once in a Summer Time” is a musical adaptation of the 2006 film "Once in a Summer," which starred Lee Byung-hun and Soo Ae. The film debut of prominent screenwriter and playwright Kim Eun-hee, acclaimed for her work in the thriller and mystery genres including film "Signal" (2016) and series "Kingdom" (2019–2020), follows professor Yun Suk-young as he recounts his 1969 summer romance with Seo Jung-in during a politically tumultuous period in South Korea.
Lee Soo-in, the director of the musical, said it is a story that resonates across all generations in its portrayal of how love transforms people and the theme of life continuing even without a happy ending.
"'While it's a love story, it offers comfort and encouragement by illustrating that everyone experiences trials, hardships and failures, which ultimately strengthen us and provide the power to move forward,” she said.
