South Korean director Jung Young-doo has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award, Britain's highest honor in theater, for his direction of the changgeuk production "Lear."
Jung was nominated in the outstanding achievement in opera category for his work on the National Changgeuk Company of Korea’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s superlative "The Tragedy of King Lear" (1606). The adaptation was staged at London’s Barbican Theatre from Oct. 3 to 6, 2024.
Changgeuk is akin to a genre of Korean opera. It derives from pansori, a traditional narrative singing form involving a solo singer and a percussionist that is registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Having premiered in 2022, "Lear" remains faithful to the original play’s exploration of desire, jealousy, betrayal, suffering and madness, while incorporating distinct musical and vocal elements rooted in Korean tradition and heritage.
"Lear" involves some of Korea’s leading creatives, performers and musicians. Jung, who has an extensive background in dance, theater and musicals, collaborated with playwright Pai Sam-shik and pansori composer Han Seung-seok. The production’s music was composed by Jung Jae-il, best known as the music director of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and Netflix’s global hit "Squid Game."
Established in 1976 by the Society of London Theatre, the Laurence Olivier Awards are considered the highest honor in British professional theater.
Since the awards recognize productions staged in London, Korean performers/artists have rarely been eligible for nomination. Notably, Yi Tae-won was nominated in the best supporting performance in a musical category in 2001 for her role in "The King and I" at the London Palladium.
The outstanding achievement in opera award honors exceptional contributions by an opera company, director, conductor or performer. This year, Jung is competing against Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina for her performance in "Carmen" (Royal Opera House) and British tenor Allan Clayton for his role in "Festen" (Royal Opera House).
The winners are to be announced April 6 at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
hwangdh@heraldcorp.com
