▲ This photo, provided by Yeonu Theatre and ATR, shows the poster for 'KING LEAR.' (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, Apr. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, who touts a prolific career on both small and big screens spanning over six decades, will return to the stage in two years with the Korean-language theatre play “KING LEAR.”

This 200-minute-long work, which has adapted one of the four major tragedies of the highly acclaimed English playwright William Shakespeare into a theatre play, will be brought to the stage at LG Arts Center Seoul from June 1 to 18. The play will be performed only once a day, except for Mondays.

“KING LEAR” was initially put on the stage at the Seoul Arts Center in 2021, achieving the milestone of selling all seats for every performance. Actor Lee reprised the role of the old King Lear who faces a tragic twist in his life. He was praised for his performance as King Lear, as he showed the power of his 60-year-long acting career, which he has been busy pursuing since 1956.

Earlier, Lee said, “This play is the work of my life. I have no other choice but to pour my utmost best as it is an opportunity to come once in a lifetime.”

In a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency, Lee also said, “We were able to welcome many viewers two years ago despite the then-ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” adding, “We will be performing the play once again for those who could not get the chance to watch it back then. I wish we can perfect the play even more.”

“Rather than having a reflection on King Lear’s life, this work actually sends a message to society. King Lear finally reaches an epiphany and gets to comprehend the lives of his people only after he is brought low. We wish to send the message that we must understand those in their lowest when we are at our highest, and to be considerate of the poor when we have enough and can enjoy our lives.”

This will mark the last performance of Lee Soon-jae as King Lear. Meanwhile, actress Kwon Min-jung has been slated to play the role of King Lear’s first daughter, who secures the King’s legacy with her gift of gab; the second daughter will be played by actress Seo Song-hee, who also receives part of his legacy by flattering for money as much as her sister does; in the meantime, actress Joo Ji-yeon is set to play the role of the third daughter who speaks with honesty, unlike her two older sisters.

Director Kim Si-bun will be taking the helm of this theatre play. “I wish to show viewers an epitome of tragedy that is not only sad, unhappy, and miserable, but by which they can feel catharsis.”

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Ha eun Lee)

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