Actress Lee Young-ae returned to the stage with the play "Hedda Gabler," sharing her changed feelings.
The production presentation for the play "Hedda Gabler" was held at the LG Arts Center in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 8th. Attendees included actress Lee Young-ae, Baek Ji-won, Ji Hyun-jun, Lee Seung-joo, Kim Jeong-ho, and LG Arts Center Director Lee Hyun-jeong, as well as Director Jeon In-cheol, who discussed the work.
"Hedda Gabler" is a play produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the LG Arts Center. In particular, there is significant anticipation surrounding the participation of actress Lee Young-ae, loved for her roles in the drama "Dae Jang Geum" and the films "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" and "Spring Days Are Gone." Lee Young-ae makes her return to the theater stage after 32 years since the play "Jajangmyeon" in 1993.
Lee Young-ae's first play, "Jajangmyeon," was the opening work at the Free Theater of the Arts Center, themed around the Gwangju Uprising on May 18. In connection to this, Lee Young-ae explained, "I played the role of the angel of the deceased girl," noting, "I was involved thanks to my connection with Director Kim Sang-soo. Back then, I was asked to distribute posters, and it seems like I did everything they asked because I was young," she recalled with a laugh.
In particular, she said, "The experiences I had with the audience back then remain with me to this day, which feels like it has led me to 'Hedda Gabler.'" She continued, "I felt that the emotions I experienced as a parent after marriage and childbirth were different from before. I thought these could be a great nourishment for me as an actress," emphasizing her return to the stage after 32 years with, "I wondered if I could return to such a good work if I waited any longer."
Additionally, Lee Young-ae remarked, "I have the same thoughts as an actress, but there is always a sense of inadequacy after the performance. When I do a drama, I wish I could have done a little better, but I feel a lack of time. There is a thirst to create a good stage with time and effort. Having good conversations and doing such work gives me great strength beyond acting."
In response, she stated, "There is joy. While researching the character, I found the process of sharing various papers and works truly enjoyable, to the point where I thought, 'Is this the kind of person I am?' Through this, Hedda's colors and texture have expanded and deepened, and personally, I think discovering new aspects of myself is also appealing."
"Hedda Gabler" will be performed at the LG Arts Center in Seoul from May 7 to June 8.
[Photo] OSEN reporter Jo Eun-jeong.
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