Following the Sound of Headphones... Encountering Stories 'Underground'

Theatrical Performance at Uran 2-gyeong Starting August 28
Story of the 'Descenders' Searching for the Underground 'Jiguk'

Uran Cultural Foundation announced on the 7th that the play "Under the Ground" will be performed at Uran 2-gyeong from August 28 to September 8.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, Uran Cultural Foundation plans to present four performances and four exhibitions each. "Under the Ground" is the second production of the Uran performances. The foundation will showcase the remaining two Uran performances, the play "Fred MEET FRED" and the "Voice Project Concert," in October and December, respectively.

"Under the Ground" is based on the short story of the same name by SF writer Kim Bo-young. It tells the story of the Descenders who explore an underground labyrinth in search of the Earth Kingdom (Jiguk) said to exist beneath the ground. Audiences follow the characters' stories through headphones as they explore the path called "Narak," a route no one has ever fully descended before.

"Under the Ground" originated from the question of how sound technology can be integrated into storytelling. Directed by sound artist Jung Hye-soo, who is active in Seoul and Berlin, the performance reveals invisible worlds through sound, allowing audiences to experience the story synesthetically.

Director Jung Hye-soo said, "With the advancement of 3D audio technologies such as ambisonics and binaural audio, and the popularization of ambient music genres, the perception of sound is also expanding. In contemporary theater, sound has become a medium that leads the audience’s concrete imagination and immersion, increasing its significance. By providing a unique listening experience, I want to create a performance where audiences can enjoyably feel as if they are accompanying the characters on their journey."

The adaptation was done by writer Jang Young, who won the Best Play Award at the 60th Dong-A Theater Awards for the play "Kyrie." Director Jung Ji-soo, who directed "The Cost of Living," selected as one of the Best 3 Plays of 2023, participated as dramaturg. Additionally, space designer Jung Seung-jun, lighting designer Jung Yoo-seok, and laser designer Park Sun-yu will create scenes with three-dimensional visual effects, providing audiences with a dramatic experience where reality and unreality coexist.

Tickets for the play "Under the Ground" are available for reservation on Interpark starting from the 7th.