On May 7, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts announced that the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre Company's play 'Tungsosori' won the Best Play (Baeksang Theatre Award) in the theater category at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, held on May 5.
'Tungsosori' is based on the late Joseon Dynasty classic novel 'Choe Cheokjeon' and tells the story of a family separated by war who are reunited. The play premiered at the Sejong Center's M Theater from November 11 to 27 last year.
Go Sunwoong, the artistic director and director of the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre Company, was responsible for both the adaptation and direction. He created a strong impression on both critics and audiences by skillfully blending a modern and humorous stage design with traditional Korean musical instruments.
In addition to winning at this year's Baeksang Arts Awards, 'Tungsosori' was also named one of the '2024 Best 3 Plays of the Year' by the Korean Theatre Critics Association. Go Sunwoong was selected as the inaugural recipient of the 'Theater Person of the Year Award' by the Performing Arts and Theory Association. Furthermore, in April this year, the play received the Grand Prize in the culture category at the Korea National Brand Awards, hosted by the New York Festivals, one of the world's top three advertising festivals, earning recognition for both its artistic merit and popular appeal.
The cast of 'Tungsosori' included guest actors such as Jung Saebyeol, who was nominated for an acting award at this year's Baeksang Arts Awards for her role as Okyeong, as well as Lee Hojai and Park Youngmin. Members of the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre Company, including Kang Singoo, Kim Singi, Choi Nara, and Lee Seungwoo, also performed in the play.
Go Sunwoong stated that his intention in creating the play was to offer comfort and courage to today's audiences by sharing the stories of ordinary people who maintained humor and laughter even in the tragedy of war.
'Tungsosori' is scheduled for a return engagement at the Sejong Center's M Theater from September 5 to 28.
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