Actors Yoo Seung-ho and Son Ho-jun, who last shared the stage in the Korean production of "Angels in America," are reuniting for "Killing Caesar." The new theatrical project will run from May 10 to July 20 at Sogang University's Mary Hall in Seoul.
The actors shared that their return to the stage — less than a year after their last performance — was driven by what they described as “a longing that overpowered the fear of the stage.”
"The stage is a place of learning for actors. And I wanted to experience the joy of breathing with an audience once again," Yoo said at a press conference Wednesday at Chungmu Arts Center in Seoul.
Yoo reflected on the challenges of his stage debut in "Angels in America," in which he portrayed Prior Walter, a gay character and drag queen, who becomes a victim of social prejudice and self-hate after being diagnosed with AIDS and is abandoned by his lover.
“I know I didn’t receive great reviews. I recognize that I was lacking. It was my first time performing in front of a live audience, and everything felt overwhelming,” he said. “After the show ended, my fellow actors told me, ‘Someday, you’ll want to do theater again.’ Strangely enough, it didn’t take long before I missed being in rehearsal.”
"Killing Caesar" is a reimagining of the Shakespearean tragedy "Julius Caesar," adapted by playwright Oh Se-hyeok and directed by Kim Jung.
Unlike the original, which builds toward Caesar’s assassination, "Killing Caesar" opens with the murder and shifts its focus to the power vacuum and political fallout among the conspirators. The production foregrounds Brutus’ idealism and the moral ambiguity between principle and betrayal.
In a casting twist, Yoo and Son — who previously played the same character in "Angels in America" — now face off in opposing roles. Son plays Caesar, while Yoo steps into the role of Brutus.
“There’s a stereotypical image of Caesar and Brutus, and also of the actors Yoo and Son,” the director said. “We wanted to break that mold. Seeing how these actors challenge expectations will be part of the fun.”
The star actors' previous collaboration has also forged a lasting offstage friendship. In March, Yoo joined Son’s newly founded management company, 333, after leaving YG Entertainment. The two continue to meet regularly with "Angels in America" castmate Yang Ji-won to talk about their craft. Yang joins "Killing Caesar" as well, taking on a dual role as Mark Antony and Cassius.
Playwright Oh revealed that the project began with a message from Yang in the winter: “Three passionate actors want to do a passionate play.'”
“To be honest, I was scared to take on theater again. But working with people I trust gave me the courage to try once more," said Yoo.
hwangdh@heraldcorp.com
