From October 30 to November 8 at the National Theater Daloreum Theater
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The National Changgeuk Company, the resident troupe of the National Theater, will perform the repertory changgeuk "Abi. Bangyeon" on the stage of the Daloreum Theater at the National Theater from October 30 to November 8.
"Abi. Bangyeon" was praised for balancing both popularity and artistry when it premiered in 2015. The National Changgeuk Company planned to revive the performance in March after five years, but postponed it to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
The protagonist of "Abi. Bangyeon," Wang Bangyeon, was a historical figure who escorted Danjong to exile in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, during the early Joseon period when Prince Suyang usurped the throne, and was tasked with delivering poison to Danjong during his exile. Despite the gravity of his role, Wang Bangyeon appears only once in the "Annals of King Sukjong" and leaves no other records in historical texts.
Playwright Han Areum infused her creative imagination to portray Wang Bangyeon, the officer of the Uigeumbu (Royal Investigation Bureau), as a man who lived with integrity all his life but had to break his convictions for his child amid the unavoidable waves of history, depicting his anguish and sorrow. Han Areum reunited with director Seo Jae-hyung and music director Hwang Ho-jun, the production team from the 2015 premiere.
To heighten dramatic tension, Han Areum revised some parts originally expressed through dialogue into lyrics and refined the language. Composer Hwang Ho-jun, responsible for composition, arrangement, and music direction, newly composed music for the added lyrics and rearranged the overall music to suit the changed casting. The instrumental ensemble also changed. While the premiere featured a unique combination of geomungo and various woodwinds, the new arrangement adds daegeum and ajaeng to emphasize traditional colors. Additionally, lighting and video have been newly designed to prepare a more sophisticated stage.
Director Seo Jae-hyung said, "Although Bangyeon, who raised his daughter alone, is written as 'Abi' (father), I think it can also be read as 'parents.' We are preparing the revival while sharing an expanded perspective on parents with the production team and cast." He added, "I hope this effort resonates so that the audience, who are someone's children and someone's parents, can empathize even more."
National Changgeuk Company member Choi Ho-sung, playing the protagonist Wang Bangyeon, and guest actor Park Ji-hyun, playing Wang Bangyeon's daughter Sosa, reunite as father and daughter after five years. Park Ji-hyun, who was 12 years old at the premiere, has honed her skills majoring in pansori at the National Traditional Arts Middle and High School and is determined to showcase her uniquely poignant voice and more solid sound.
Veteran National Changgeuk Company actress Kim Geum-mi anchors the play as Dochang, leading the story's development, while female actor Min Eun-kyung plays Danjong, delivering delicate inner acting. Other cast members include Kim Jun-su (Prince Suyang), Lee Si-ung (Han Myeong-hoe), Lee Kwang-bok (Song Seok-dong), and Yoo Tae-pyung-yang (Seong Sam-mun).
The performance will implement "spaced seating" according to the social distancing measures set by health authorities. Ticket reservations and inquiries about the performance can be made through the National Theater website or by phone.
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