Stepping into the Spotlight: National Theater Company Youth Education Group Shines in ‘JoJo’ at Myeongdong Arts Theater
On the 16th and 17th, the first work of fantasy literature master Michael Ende to land in Korea, a big show with 40 actors, group appearances, group dances, etc.
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▲ National Theater Company Youth Education Corps final presentation ‘Jojo’ practice site. ⓒNational Theater Company
The National Theater of Korea announced that it will perform ‘Jojo’ with all members of the Youth Education Corps appearing as actors at the Myeongdong Arts Theater from the 16th to the 17th.
The National Theater Company conducted a public screening last February and selected 40 actors as youth education corps members. The National Theater Company Youth Education Corps, comprised of members between the ages of 19 and 34, recorded a high competition rate of 22.5 to 1 at the time of selection.
The 40 selected youth education group members have been conducting physical movements, speaking skills, Alexander Technique, and field research for eight months, focusing on training to strengthen creative abilities that can be displayed on the field stage. The youth education group members completed the entire course without a single dropout or waiver, and they will all appear on stage at the final presentation together.
‘Momo’ was written in 1982 by Michael Ende, a German writer famous for fantasy literature. Ende’s work uses fantasy and surreal fairy tale techniques to illuminate the dark shadows hidden behind the prosperity of modern society, which has achieved rapid growth due to technological advancement.
‘JoJo’, which is being staged for the first time in Korea, sounds an alarm about the harsh aspects of the industrialization era by borrowing the story of an old circus troupe that is in danger of being kicked out. The youth education group members are divided into two groups of 20 people each and present two performances, a total of four performances.
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▲ National Theater Company Youth Education Corps final presentation ‘Jojo’ practice site. ⓒNational Theater Company
Actors from the Youth Education Corps analyzed the characters for the roles they wanted, prepared dialogue and live acting, and then auditioned for roles. Effort was also put into assigning roles, including considering numerous group formation methods that took into account the harmony between actors.
In particular, the dance and battle scenes in a fantasy world where all 20 characters come out on stage and perform group dances or perform action scenes are spectacular. The stage design, which transforms into various forms as a meta-play of a play within a story, is also something to see.
Director Lee Dae-woong said, “In terms of content, it has contemporary implications that reflect on the meaning of solidarity in today’s era of uniformity and individualization. Structurally, the actors are directly involved in the work through the situation of a play within a play, the design of a meta-play, and the balanced proportion of characters.” He said the reason for selecting ‘JoJo’ was, “It is a very suitable work to draw.”
The National Theater Company Youth Education Group’s final presentation, ‘Jojo,’ can be viewed with free reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made on the National Theater Company website.
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▲ National Theater Company Youth Education Group member final presentation ‘JoJo’ poster. ⓒNational Theater Company