 |
| ▲ Actor Jeon Do-yeon of the Netflix crime action film "Kill Boksoon" is seen in this photo provided by the global streaming platform. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, April 23 (Yonhap) -- Jeon Do-yeon, starring in 'The Cherry Orchard,' revealed the background behind her return to the theater stage after 27 years, saying, "I had some fear about fully revealing myself on stage. However, while watching Simon Stone's work, I felt a rush as an actress and made the decision to join the production."
Jeon expressed her desire to try theater, stating, "I've always harbored a longing to do theater. If I were afraid of making mistakes, I wouldn't have decided to take on this role. I want to learn and grow through mistakes."
Having predominantly worked in films and dramas, Jeon's return to theater is her first since 'The Doll's House' in 1997. She was deeply impressed by Simon Stone's work, especially after watching his play 'Medea,' which helped her overcome her fears.
She reflected, "At a time when I was contemplating how to politely decline an offer, I watched 'Medea' and unexpectedly felt the urge to participate. I couldn't stop thinking about how the director managed this production."
 |
| ▲ The image, provided by LG Art Center on Feb. 20, 2024, shows the cast of play "Cherry Blossom Hill," starring actress Jeon Do-yeon and Park Hae-soo. The play runs June 4 to July 7 at the LG Art Center in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
'The Cherry Orchard' is a modern reinterpretation of the classic play by Anton Chekhov, directed by Simon Stone, a renowned director who has collaborated with prestigious theaters such as the National Theatre in the UK and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Stone, responsible for the script and direction, transformed Chekhov's 19th-century Russian backdrop into contemporary Seoul. While the original work portrays the struggle of a fallen female landowner named Ranevskaya defending her cherry orchard, this production illustrates Korean women striving to protect a house facing disappearance.
Stone commented, "I thought Korea was the most suitable society to showcase the changing traditions, innovations, and inter-generational conflicts depicted in the play. Russia during the time of the original work was also undergoing rapid changes between tradition and modernity, similar to Korea."
After watching the film 'Oldboy' in 2002, Simon Stone immersed himself in numerous Korean films and books. He was impressed by the acting of Korean actors who seamlessly transition between comedy and tragedy.
Stone expressed his luck in working with actors he admired, including Jeon Do-yeon and Park Hae-soo. He remarked, "During the production process, I felt the need for Korea's Meryl Streep. Even if Jeon Do-yeon plays a villainous role or a virtuous one, she is a captivating actress suitable for any role."
He further explained, "Park Hae-soo is one of my favorite actors in the world. He portrays intensity combined with vulnerability, excelling in the ability to transition between fragility and strength, making him perfect for the role."
The ten actors, including Jeon Do-yeon and Park Hae-soo, reinterpret characters from the original work with a Korean perspective. Jeon plays the character of Song Do-young, reinterpreting Ranevskaya, who lost her son and returned to Korea, while Park portrays Hwang Doo-shik, embodying the rational merchant role from the original.
Jeon noted, "Even though the characters have been changed to Koreans and infused with Korean emotions, I believe this story is one that everyone worldwide can relate to. It discusses humanity, identity, and the need for change."
Park Hae-soo, collaborating with Jeon for the first time, expressed, "I didn't want to miss the chance to play the role of Lopahin in 'The Cherry Orchard.' Each actor has created a beautiful harmony with their respective characters."
'The Cherry Orchard' is set to embark on a world tour to meet global audiences. LG Arts Center, which produced the play, has been preparing for a new work targeting international audiences since winter 2020, anticipating high expectations for 'The Cherry Orchard.'
Director Lee Hyun-jung stated, "Utilizing LG Arts Center's production expertise and global network, we wanted to create a representative repertoire. Meeting outstanding directors and actors has been a great stroke of luck."
'The Cherry Orchard' will run from June 4 to July 7 at LG Arts Center in Seoul.
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
