CJ Cultural Foundation Announces Selected Works for This Year's 'Stage Up' Original Musical Support Project

Musicals 'Deonkeun' and 'Benjamin Beoteun-ui Sigan-eun Geokkuro Ganda' Selected

Group photo of the team selected for the 2021 Stage Up Original Musical category by CJ Cultural Foundation.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] CJ Cultural Foundation is expected to bring a spring breeze to Daehangno this year with support encompassing both new and established creators.

On the 13th, CJ Cultural Foundation announced that the musicals 'Duncan' and 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' were selected as supported works for this year's 'Stage Up' original musical support project.

The musical 'Duncan' is a work about the life of Isadora Duncan, a pioneer of modern dance. It depicts the artist's beliefs and love as she repeatedly soared and fell throughout her life, ultimately rising independently to become a living myth. Writer Jo Eun, who wrote the musical drama 'Nangnang Gisaeng' and the musical 'Master Blender,' and composer Eom Dahae, who composed the musical 'Bloody Silence,' reinterpret Isadora Duncan's modern dance into a musical.

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' by writer Jo Gwanghwa and composer Inao, is a musical adaptation of the novel of the same name, telling the story of a man born with the appearance of a 70-year-old who lives life backward in time, set against the Jazz Age. Notably, Jo Gwanghwa, recognized as a master director in the Korean performing arts scene with works such as the play 'Faust Ending' and the musical 'Seopyeonje,' wrote the script, while composer Inao, known for musicals like 'South of the Border' and 'Kongchilpalsaesamryuk,' composed the music.

Starting this year, CJ Cultural Foundation has upgraded and revamped the Stage Up support project to practically contribute to the virtuous cycle and revitalization of the original musical market.

First, the foundation removed barriers to support so that any creator can apply, including works that have previously held readings or showcases. Additionally, a blind document screening method was introduced in the evaluation process to assess the work itself. The judging panel was composed to reflect not only artistic quality but also production feasibility and popularity.

During the work development period, the foundation increased the creative support fund to allow creators to focus on their work, providing a total of 20 million KRW per team. The work development process was also restructured so that creators can lead the development independently. Instead of traditional reading performances, the foundation supports the production of showcase performances that present directorial directions for key scenes. If the work is successfully staged commercially, separate follow-up support will be provided to continuously assist market entry.

Since 2010, CJ Cultural Foundation has discovered and supported talented new performing arts creators and works through the Stage Up contest, helping them grow. Up to last year, a total of 51 original musicals were presented as reading performances. Among them, 19 works, including 'Goddess is Watching,' 'Pungwolju,' and 'Arangga,' have been staged in full performances.

A CJ Cultural Foundation official said, “Although support projects for new creators have increased in recent years, some experienced established creators face difficulties entering the stage despite developing good works. Going forward, we will develop the support project to discover and introduce good works to the market regardless of whether the creators are new or established, their age, or experience.”