Guseong-myeon Residents' Original Historical Play "Bangchojeong Yeonjeong" Receives Enthusiastic Response
The Guseong-myeon Theater Troupe of Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province (led by Kim Dooho) staged the original play "Bangchojeong Yeonjeong" in the citizen participation category at the 23rd Gimcheon International Family Theater Festival, achieving a sold-out performance and receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The theater troupe from Guseong-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongbuk, delivered an impressive performance in the citizen participation play category at the 23rd Gimcheon International Family Theater Festival.
This stage, in which local residents directly participated, is being recognized as an example that demonstrates the power of cultural and artistic creation by the local community.
Since its establishment in 2019, the Guseong-myeon Theater Troupe, which was formed under the initiative of local residents, temporarily suspended activities due to COVID-19 but resumed its work in 2024. Last year alone, the troupe successfully held five performances, leading the revitalization of local culture centered around Guseong-myeon.
The play "Bangchojeong Yeonjeong," featured in this performance, is an original work based on a true story related to the cultural treasure "Bangchojeong," located in Sangwon-ri, Guseong-myeon.
The story revolves around an incident in 1593, just after the Imjin War, when Mrs. Choi set out to find her husband and, while fleeing from pursuing Japanese soldiers, threw herself into a pond to preserve her chastity. The play depicts her story as she is reincarnated in modern-day Guseong-myeon in 2025, bridging over 400 years. The narrative, which intersects history, fantasy, and community life, deeply resonated with the audience.
The performance was held at the Gimcheon Municipal Cultural Center and achieved a sold-out status, enjoying great success. The fact that all the actors on stage were residents of Guseong-myeon further highlighted the significance of citizen participation in theater.
Audience members responded by saying, "The authenticity of a play created by actual residents was even more moving."
Kim Dooho, the head of the theater troupe, said, "I am proud that a stage created together with residents could touch so many people," and added, "We will continue to create performances that capture the history and stories of Guseong-myeon."
An official from Guseong-myeon stated, "It is impressive to see the village come together as one through theater and to witness residents becoming the main agents of culture themselves," and promised, "We will actively support the continued activities of the theater troupe."
Meanwhile, the Gimcheon International Family Theater Festival is establishing itself as a leading family theater festival in Korea, where citizens and artists participate together. Through this performance, the Guseong-myeon Theater Troupe has proven that cultural and artistic organizations at the township level can also become central to local culture, paving the way for a new leap forward.
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