Royal incest, life or death riddles and hard to swallow forgiveness ― nothing is off limits in Seoul Arts Center’s latest production of Shakespearean play “Pericles.”

Cramming the original five-hour tale into two hours, director Yang Jung-ung takes a modernist approach to Shakespeare’s highly criticized comedic tale of moral taboos.

Set in the ancient Kingdom of Antioch, the Jacobean play tells the riveting tale of King Antiochus and his secret incestuous relationship with his daughter following her mother’s death. In order to maintain his sinful relationship with his daughter and ward off potential suitors, the king poses a riddle to all the princes who wish to marry his daughter. For those who answer incorrectly, the punishment is death. 

Looking to tackle the king’s challenge, young Pericles ― the Prince of Tyre ― sets sail to Antioch in order to compete for the princess’ hand. Becoming the only prince to answer the king’s riddle correctly, Pericles comes to learn of the inappropriate love between the king and the princess. Pericles decides to flee following King Antiochus’ order to have him killed.

Despite the foundation of the play’s narration enveloping the premise of an incestuous relationship between a father and daughter, the story is intended to be lighthearted and humorous ― with a few scenes of slapstick and the occasional one-liners. Director Yang even goes as far as turning the king’s riddles into an almost contemporary game show-like setting, where the princes are asked to partake in various physical activities rather than be puzzled by intellectual teasers.

“Shakespeare himself is a writer who truly knew how to have his performances communicate well between the stage and the audience members,” said Yang during a press showcase at the Seoul Arts Center on Tuesday.

“Of all of Shakespeare’s productions, I believe ‘Pericles’ is his most important piece in terms of the role narrative interpretation.”

The play features a cast of 20 actors including the much regarded return of veteran stage actor and former culture minister Yoo In-chon.

Returning to the stage after 10 years, 63-year-old Yoo will be taking the reign of not one, but two leading roles: John Gower, the play’s narrator, and the elder Pericles. The role of young Pericles is brought to life by Nam Yoon-ho with Choi Woo-ri playing Marina, the daughter.

Reportedly spending 12 percent of the production’s budget in order to set the coastal scene of the play and have the entire stage covered in sand, the show promises to be a visual spectacle as well as a rare glimpse into one of Shakespeare’s lesser known works of art.

“Pericles” will be staged daily (excluding Mondays) until May 31 at the Seoul Arts Center’s CJ Towol Theater. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)