Performance at Sejong Center Grand Theater from September 24 to 26
[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will present its second integrated arts troupe performance, Joseon Three Musketeers (subtitle: The World We Dream Of), from September 24 to 26 at the Sejong Center Grand Theater.
Joseon Three Musketeers tells the story of three friends from Joseon who share the same but different perspectives as they dream of a better world. Han Jinseop, director of the Seoul City Musical Troupe, directs the play; Jung Hyejin, director of the Seoul City Dance Troupe, choreographs the dance; and choreographer Seo Byunggu is responsible for the musical choreography. The script is written by playwright Lee Mikyung, who swept major theater awards such as the 2012 Korean Theater Awards and Dong-A Theater Awards with the play That’s Not It. Composer Jang Soyoung, who has been actively working across various genres including original musicals like The Days, Pimatgol Love Song, and Turandot, as well as films, dramas, and albums, serves as composer and music director.
The musical Joseon Three Musketeers is set against the backdrop of Hong Gyeongrae’s Rebellion in 1811 (the 11th year of King Sunjo’s reign), which preceded the Donghak Peasant Movement. It tells the story of people who prioritized the welfare of the world over their own safety in the face of factional politics and corruption in the three governmental offices. The three characters?Kim Seondal, Hong Gyeongrae, and Jo Jinsu?share the same dream of creating a country for the people but each chooses a different path. The story of the three friends will be portrayed through a structure where real and fictional characters coexist.
Playwright Lee Mikyung said, “Pure hearts striving for righteousness, even if conflicted, surely move the world little by little in a better direction.” She added, “Through the story of Joseon Three Musketeers, composed of characters who existed in any era or could exist in any era, I want to convey that although there are still many conflicts and complaints about the country’s situation today, there is no need to be discouraged.”
The story centers on Kim Seondal, a legendary swindler from Pyongyang passed down through folklore. Kim Seondal believes that the way to change the world is to engage in commerce and accumulate wealth. Using his wit and eloquence, he becomes a wealthy merchant who uses his money to help others. His friend Hong Gyeongrae was a real historical figure, leader of the peasant rebellion in Pyeongan Province during King Sunjo’s reign, known as Hong Gyeongrae’s Rebellion (the 11th year of Sunjo). He believes the only way for his teacher, comrades, and all commoners is to overturn the world and create a perfectly equal society, dreaming of revolution. Jo Jinsu is a fictional character who believes that to create a prosperous country for commoners, one must seize power and build a good nation, but ultimately faces conflict as he is tasked with suppressing the rebellion.
Han Jinseop, director of the Seoul City Musical Troupe and overall director of the production, said, “It is the story of three friends running toward one dream from different perspectives.” He added, “We aim to grandly portray the lives of the Joseon Three Musketeers, who fiercely live their times in their own ways to create a better world, through stage art and music that fuse tradition and modernity.”
Music director Jang Soyoung will present a rich performance with the TMM Orchestra and Seoul City Youth Orchestra. In scenes highlighting traditional colors, the Seoul City Gugak Orchestra will perform, blending traditional and modern music to offer the audience an enjoyable listening experience. On August 24 at 7:30 p.m., a showcase of Joseon Three Musketeers hosted by pop columnist Kim Taehoon will be broadcast live on Naver TV’s “Sejong Center Channel.”
Tickets for Joseon Three Musketeers will be available for reservation from 2 p.m. on the 11th via the Sejong Center website and major ticketing platforms. Early bird discounts of 40% are available for reservations made by the 14th.
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