Return After 5 Years, More Detailed Depiction of ‘Matahari’... ‘Immersion Like Fitting Puzzle Pieces’

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] ‘Mata Hari’ was a beautiful spy active during World War I. She was a real person, whose real name was Margaretha Geertruida Zelle. If Margaretha was a tragic woman who lost her child and had nowhere to go, Mata Hari was a spy who seduced men with her dazzling dance moves and operated covertly. Hiding her past, she gained fame as a strip dancer, but her end was tragic. Accused of being a double spy, she was arrested by French authorities and executed by firing squad, after which her body was sent to an anatomical museum. Even her head was stolen and has not been found to this day.

She has now been resurrected through the musical ‘Mata Hari.’ It has been five years since its first presentation in 2016, with a production cost of 15 billion won invested over four years. During that time, it underwent two revisions. While the premiere (2016) focused on conveying the storyline, the revival (2017) concentrated on why Mata Hari had no choice but to become a spy and why she had to live so fiercely, adding realism to the play. This third season enhances character understanding through more detailed character portrayals.

At the press call held on the 21st at Charlotte Theater, director Kwon Eun-ah said, “The premiere and revival have very different concepts. As I carefully studied the life of a real person, the story I wanted to tell became clearer,” adding, “Everyone inevitably faces uncomfortable stories in life, but at least by the end of life, as the lyrics say, I wanted to convey the message of living without hatred or regret, and that happiness comes when you can love every aspect of yourself.”

Ok Joo-hyun (Mata Hari), who has appeared in all seasons from the premiere to season 3, said, “Honestly, there were parts in the premiere and revival that didn’t make sense. But this time, I think the puzzle is completely solved,” explaining, “Actually, it passes by much faster than the musical ‘Rebecca.’ This version has such immersion and flow well put together.”

The music was also extensively revised. Composer Frank Wildhorn said, “I discussed a lot with actress Ok Joo-hyun. When I requested compositions, she responded like a tail-wagging dog, and many songs were changed,” explaining, “I think there is something magical when composing. Music has a very beautiful influence on people, and that influence seems to create good chemistry with the audience.”

Known as “the most beloved composer by Koreans,” having participated in composing for ‘Excalibur,’ ‘The Man Who Laughs,’ ‘Death Note,’ and ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ he did not hold back his praise for Korean actors. He said, “I have worked with many actors worldwide, but I like Korean actors the most,” adding, “Their ability to put their soul into singing is amazing. They are national treasures.”

This ‘Mata Hari’ is the musical debut work of Solar from the girl group ‘Mamamoo.’ Solar said, “The thing I was most confident about was singing, but I was quite confused when I heard, ‘Your singing sounds too much like Solar. It doesn’t sound like Mata Hari,’” adding, “Everything was new, and physically it was tough, but mentally I learned a lot and it was an enjoyable experience.”

‘Mata Hari’ is an original musical presented by EMK Musical Company and has received great attention every season. During its premiere in 2016, it attracted 100,000 viewers in just eight weeks, with an average seat occupancy rate of 90%. The following year’s encore stage achieved a cumulative audience of 200,000 and the remarkable feat of exporting the license to Japan.

Season 3 will be performed at Charlotte Theater until August 15.