[On Stage] The Modern-Day Stranger as Portrayed in the Musical 'Almond'

The protagonist of the musical 'Almond,' Seon Yunjae, is congenitally unable to feel emotions. This is because his amygdala, the almond-shaped part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, is smaller than that of most people. He suffers from a condition known as alexithymia.

Based on the novel of the same name published by author Son Wonpyung in 2017, 'Almond' depicts the coming-of-age stories of Yunjae and his friend Goni, who has been labeled a troublemaker at school. Goni got lost as a child and grew up in an orphanage. Lacking parental care, he became a delinquent youth. Although he dramatically reunites with his parents, his relationship with his father remains strained.

Yunjae's grandmother and mother devote themselves to teaching him about love and gratitude. On Yunjae's sixteenth birthday, which is also Christmas Eve, tragedy strikes the family. After a joyful dinner, as they return home, they encounter a random killer. Yunjae's grandmother loses her life, and his mother falls into a vegetative state. Unable to feel emotions, Yunjae does nothing in the situation. People criticize him harshly for this. The scene is reminiscent of Albert Camus's novel 'The Stranger.'

Musical 'Almond' Performance Scene
Photo by Live

'The Stranger' begins with the protagonist Meursault receiving news of his mother's death. At her funeral, he barely shows any sadness. He does not try to see his mother's body, and even on the morning of the funeral, he thinks, 'If it weren't for my mother's affair, I could be out enjoying a walk in the pleasant weather.' Later, Meursault commits murder, and during the interrogation, his emotionless behavior at the funeral becomes a focal point for criticism.

Camus published 'The Stranger' in 1942 during World War II. In a world rife with violence, he created the character Meursault, who has become numb to everything after losing his emotional anchor.

In 'Almond,' Yunjae's grandmother and mother also become victims of random violence. The recent increase in random killings is sometimes interpreted as a new era of violence. In today's fiercely competitive society, more people feel alienated like Meursault, and this sense of isolation can lead to violence.

Author Son Wonpyung also remarked in an interview after publishing 'Almond' that "it feels like people are too angry" and "it seems as if we are living in a society that tries to 'poke' people until they burst."

Musical 'Almond' Performance Scene [Photo by Live]

Ultimately, 'Almond' moves toward hope, as if to answer that Yunjae and Goni are not strangers. Even after losing his grandmother and mother, Yunjae continues to make efforts to learn warm emotions. Witnessing this, Goni also gradually changes. As if as a reward for their efforts, Yunjae's mother miraculously regains consciousness, and Goni reconciles with his father.

Actor Kim Geonwoo, who plays Goni, said he feels more compassion for Yunjae, who is congenitally unable to feel emotions, than for Goni, who lost his warmth due to his upbringing. Kim Geonwoo said, "Watching Yunjae gradually change and try to understand emotions felt very heartwarming," and added, "After reading the original novel, I was deeply moved, which is why I chose to join this production."

'Almond' will be performed at NOL Uniplex Hall 1 until December 14.