What Happened at the Japanese Prime Minister's Residence During the Great East Japan Earthquake... The Play "100 Hours at the Prime Minister's Residence"

Until June 29 at Daehakro Theater Quad

The play "100 Hours at the Prime Minister's Residence," which depicts the events that unfolded over 100 hours at the Japanese Prime Minister's residence during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, is being performed at Daehakro Theater Quad until June 29. "100 Hours at the Prime Minister's Residence" has been officially selected for the 46th Seoul Theater Festival.

The play "100 Hours at the Prime Minister's Residence" is inspired by the nonfiction reportage of the same name by Japanese journalist Hideaki Kimura. The script was written by Hwang Nayoung, who based it on extensive research and interviews, and the play was newly created under the direction of Oh Sehyeok.

The original work, which recorded facts minute by minute, has been reinterpreted as a nonfiction comedy. Over the course of 100 minutes, the play simultaneously presents the leadership at the Prime Minister's residence in one space, the electric power company operating the nuclear plant in another, and civilians fighting for survival in yet another. While the Prime Minister's residence flounders, unable to come up with effective measures due to a lack of manuals and expertise, families at the disaster site are forced to say unexpected goodbyes to their loved ones as they fight for their lives. The play contrasts the Prime Minister, who tries to prolong his political career by refusing to acknowledge the facts and evading the truth, with Yamada Sho, a civilian determined to return to his already contaminated ranch and take responsibility.

Playwright Hwang Nayoung created fictional victims who do not appear in the original work to heighten the dramatic tension. Hwang said, "By creating these fictional victims, I was able to decide what should remain in the final scene. It is 'listening, truly hearing.' Perhaps that is the virtue of theater." Hwang has also written the musicals "John Doe," "Love and Peace," and the plays "I Like You," and "The Future Blesses the Present."

Director Oh Sehyeok received the Best Director Award at the 2017 Korea Musical Awards and the Playwriting Award at the 2016 Seoul Theater Awards. He has written works such as "Press Guidelines," "First-term Lawmaker," and "The Kingdom of Old Boys," and directed musicals including "Me, Natasha and the White Donkey" and "Rachmaninoff."

Director Oh Sehyeok stated, "While disasters may originate from nature, their spread can also be caused by ignorance, indifference, and leaders who choose to conceal the truth. Sometimes, one cannot help but laugh bitterly at the true faces of those who fight to protect their positions and interests rather than the survival of the people. Ultimately, what we desperately need is the courage to face disasters head-on and a safe system that functions properly."

Actor Choi Youngwoo, who won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2023 MBC Drama Awards for "My Dearest," plays the role of the Prime Minister. Actor Park Wankyu, who received the 58th Baeksang Arts Award and the 53rd Dong-A Theater Award for acting, plays Yamada Sho, the operator of the Fukushima ranch. Other cast members include Kim Daegon, Kim Neulme, Lee Kyungmi, Song Youngmi, Yoo Ilhan, Oh Hyunseo, Ryu Donghui, Ryu Abel, Kim Geonho, Lim Chanmin, Kim Ryeoun, and Lee Ajin.

Tickets for the play "100 Hours at the Prime Minister's Residence" can be purchased through NolTicket (formerly Interpark Ticket).