Actress Lee Young-ae has returned to the stage after 32 years. Attention is focused on what kind of performance she will deliver in the title role of the play "Hedda Gabler."
On the 8th, a press conference for the production of the play "Hedda Gabler" was held at the LG Arts Center located in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Participating in the event were actresses Lee Young-ae, Baek Ji-won, Ji Hyun-jun, Lee Seung-joo, Kim Jung-ho, and LG Arts Center Director Lee Hyun-jung, along with director Jeon In-cheol, who discussed the work.
"Hedda Gabler" is a play produced by the LG Arts Center in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The participation of actress Lee Young-ae, who is beloved for her roles in dramas such as "Dae Jang Geum" and films like "Lady Vengeance" and "Spring Days," has heightened expectations. Lee Young-ae will return to the theater stage for the first time in 32 years since her role in the play "Jajangmyeon" in 1993.
The performance is based on the 1890 work of world-renowned playwright Henrik Ibsen, a classic masterpiece that delves deeply and delicately into the inner world of a woman yearning for freedom in an oppressive era. The protagonist "Hedda" is regarded as a multifaceted character with beauty, cynicism, intellect, and destructive tendencies. Previously, it was a symbolic role granted to some of the greatest actresses of the era, including Maggie Smith, Annette Bening, Isabelle Huppert, and Cate Blanchett. Among them, Lee Young-ae takes on the role of "Hedda Gabler."
This version of "Hedda Gabler" at LG Arts Center is based on the modern adaptation by Richard Eyre, who won the Olivier Award for Best Director and Best Revival in 2006. The directing is handled by Jeon In-cheol, who won the directing award at the 54th Dong-A Theater Awards. Jeon In-cheol is acclaimed as a "master of meticulous text analysis," having received critical praise for adaptations of contemporary novels and plays, including "Kirie," "I Am a Murderer," "Women on Earth," and "Sister Mokran."
In addition to Lee Young-ae, the performance features a solid cast of seven actors, including Baek Ji-won, who showcased her presence as the haenyeo aunt in Netflix's "When Life Gives You Tangerines." Lee Young-ae plays Hedda, with Kim Jung-ho as her husband Tesman, Ji Hyun-jun as the judge Brack who pressures Hedda, Lee Seung-joo as Hedda's former lover Eilert, Baek Ji-won as Thea who stirs Hedda's jealousy, Lee Jung-mi as the traditional aunt Tesman, and Jo Ji-eun as the maid Berta.
Additionally, the stage design is by Park Sang-bong, costume design by Kim Hwan, lighting design by Choi Bo-yoon, and sound by Kai. A team of top creative professionals representing the national performance scene is participating, increasing expectations.
Opened in 2000, the LG Arts Center has showcased productions such as director Jang Jin's "Leave When the Applause Ends," "Welcome to Dongmakgol" in 2002, artistic director Yang Jeong-woong's premiere of "Peer Gynt," and Lee Jaram's original pansori "Eokcheoka." Last year, the theater attracted 40,000 audiences with the production "Cherry Orchard," featuring actors Jeon Do-yeon and Park Hae-soo, and is poised for overseas tours in Hong Kong, Singapore, and more this year.
Lee Hyun-jung, general producer of the work, noted, "Having moved to Magok, it is now the 4th year since we began operations, and since the center's opening in 2000, we have aimed to provide inspiration and stimulation for our artists by introducing works from world-renowned masters and high-quality productions. I thought it was time to show our work to global audiences. When creating a grand theater production like this, if outstanding actors who are highly recognized by the public can perform on stage, I believe we can broaden the audience base for plays that can be loved by more people."
She continued, "I wanted to share a stage where many actors could come back without separating genres into plays. Also, because LG Arts Center has built a global network, I thought we could work on presenting our work to audiences worldwide." She expressed excitement, noting that "Actor Lee Young-ae will receive the hottest attention. Moreover, I believe the synergy among talented actors, including Kim Jung-ho and Lee Seung-joo, will be a key point of interest."
He also talked about director Jeon In-cheol, stating, "I've always thought the director has a remarkable ability to convey stories through actors and possesses extraordinary talent based on clear characterizations. Although 'Hedda Gabler' itself does not boast a spectacular visual or dramatic plot, it must convey a detailed psychological state. I thought it would be great if it was directed by an outstanding director in those aspects, even though it is a grand theater performance."
Regarding his choice of "Hedda Gabler" as his first grand theater production, Jeon In-cheol shared, "The LG Arts Center feels like a school for learning art to me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work here. The characters in Ibsen's plays, particularly the female characters, have long been an area of interest for me. Observing women with the will to live and take action, I have been curious about the source of women's strength. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to perform at the LG Arts Center, I chose Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler.'"
The heightened anticipation for LG Arts Center's 'Hedda Gabler' is undoubtedly due to the involvement of Lee Young-ae. Center director Lee Hyun-jung shared, "Actor Lee Young-ae has frequently attended plays since our time in Yeoksam-dong and has expressed great interest. I had dreamed of collaborating one day, considering the diverse characters she has portrayed. Given the immense love for works like 'Dae Jang Geum' and 'Saimdang, Light's Diary,' many may associate her with a refined image, but she has also displayed great versatility in roles from 'Gugyeongi' to 'Maestra.' I thought she would be a perfect 'Hedda' with her various charms. Although it has been a long time since she appeared on stage, she has immersed herself once the decision was made, and I am looking forward to it."
Lee Young-ae reflected on her feelings about returning to the stage for the first time in 32 years since the opening work at the Art Center, "In my 20s, I starred in a play directed by Kim Sang-soo. It was my first work, and although I was young, it left a significant impression on me. Throughout my 20s and 30s, I have always thought about the theater. Even during graduate school, I had the opportunity to perform on stage through workshops. I had several chances but missed the timing until this good opportunity arose, and it resulted from a long translation work by someone who was my advisor in school. This is why I wanted to work on 'Hedda Gabler.'" She added, "It is very challenging, but I am receiving greater joy from the difficulties I face. I am working hard to live up to expectations. I hope to see many of you there."
Discussing her preparations for the piece, Lee Young-ae mentioned, "I think no actor is ever 100% satisfied with their work. I also often think 'I could have done better' with many regrets at the end of each project. I recently finished filming a drama titled 'A Lucky Day,' which will air in the second half of the year, and afterwards, I watched 'Hedda Gabler,' wanting to engage more deeply and learn various aspects. I decided to start with a study mindset. Although Hedda has much to show as an actress, there are also many difficulties. The collaborative work with good people is very enjoyable, and I believe the research I've conducted will be reflected in my performance. If I focus on what I will show, it becomes harder, so I am enjoying this collaborative and creative endeavor, which will surely differ from the Lee Young-ae audiences have seen in movies or dramas before. I think those who come to see it will notice these differences."
Director Jeon In-cheol expressed, "I was surprised by how well Lee Young-ae utilized the large stage, having worked primarily in front of a camera. During rehearsals, she moved well in the big space, which impressed me. We have been rehearsing for about four weeks now, and I have noticed her changes every week, especially on days off during rehearsals. Seeing that, I am excited and curious about how the actors will continue to evolve."
Moreover, he remarked, "There is a common perception that 'Hedda Gabler' will be heavy, but upon meeting Lee Young-ae, I found her to have a diverse range of emotions and expressions. Though we traditionally hold a rather proud image of Hedda Gabler in our minds, I see her as a character who is trying to connect with many people while struggling with difficult circumstances." He praised, "Having worked with Lee Young-ae for about a month, she has been remarkably diligent each day. I haven't witnessed any significant ups and downs during this month. She has been fully devoted to her work, paying attention every moment. While rehearsing together, I noticed many charming and lovely sides to her. She is a frightening character, but I hope to showcase these various aspects to the audience on stage."
Lee Young-ae commented, "Hedda is a woman without clear answers. She is not a character with a single color. I wanted to explore and change the color we know of Hedda. I am still in the process of discovering. I believe that to show the darker side of her character, there must also be a brighter side visible. I am working hard to show a new side of Hedda, as the director suggests, with various interpretations applied to my character."
Baek Ji-won will appear in LG Arts Center productions for the second time, following "Cherry Orchard." Balancing both media work and stage performances, she shared her thoughts on the charm of theater, stating, "The charm of theater is numerous. However, it was a fortunate opportunity to join 'Hedda Gabler.' Before the decision, I had a hard time fitting my schedule, but just two days before getting the call, I saw a fantastic performance at the National Theater, 'Red Maple Leaves.' I enjoyed that show immensely and thought to myself, 'I want to get back on stage.' I didn't dare to hope for it. Since I had been a theater actress for a long time, I felt nostalgic when I saw my fellow actors preserving the stage, which stirred my heart. After returning home with that energy, I received the call from LG Arts Center two days later. I feel like this opportunity came to me as fate, and I am very happy to join the production."
He continued, "The charm of continuously performing on the theater stage lies in the collaboration between the creative team and actors from the beginning to the end, breathing in the same space. I believe one of the greatest attractions is concluding performances while directly meeting the audience and feeling their breaths."
Furthermore, regarding "When Life Gives You Tangerines," he said, "I am grateful for the favorable response to the projects I've acted in recently. I am pleased with how well things are going. I also enjoyed it." He smiled and noted, "The theater is a space that is particularly hard to get to. I once pondered whether to perform when there were 11 actors and just 11 audience members in a small theater. So whether in an intimate or grand theater, attending a performance requires considerable commitment. The audience bears the terms of attendance, including time and cost. When a media actor, popular from their other work, emerges, I think it gives those who rarely attend plays easier access. I firmly believe that this will help. However, I also think that not only non-attendees but also fellow actors in the theater community will show interest and visit the theater. I would be immensely grateful if both those who see a performance for the first time and those who frequently attend could be encouraged to visit the theater more often."
Kim Jung-ho is the only cast member who has worked closely with director Jeon In-cheol for an extended period. He commented, "The director opens up space for the actors to play freely. He allows us to approach ideas without fear. It's all about exploring and creating meaning without clear guidance. Previously, I worked on a fantasy novel, but this piece is structured very intricately and is meticulously crafted, presenting a different style." He added, "The performance is continuous, with all actors participating, making it a collaborative process. The style is realistic, but it is different from other realistic works. It has been challenging and enjoyable to find this new texture while working on the project."
Ji Hyun-jun, who plays the judge Brack, a role with significant variations in interpretation, humorously said, "I don't know much about the character—I'm sorry," but added, "My top priority is to closely observe how Lee Young-ae is creating Hedda. I am always curious about how she approaches her character, and I need to find what I can do in line with her performance."
Lee Seung-joo, known for playing strong roles like in 'Hamlet,' spoke about his character Eilert in this production: "He is Hedda's former lover, and his personality contrasts sharply with Hedda's husband, George Tesman. I see him as a character who is in constant conflict, agonizing, and struggling to find himself. I'm currently contemplating how to fully realize this character."
Addressing the concept of the female 'Hamlet,' Lee Seung-joo remarked, "When I first encountered 'Hedda Gabler,' my initial thought was that such a dramatic character could exist. The similarity to Hamlet lies in continuous conflict, ongoing anguish, and relentless effort. Many feel that she is the female Hamlet for these reasons."
Coincidentally, LG Arts Center's 'Hedda Gabler' is set to premiere just one day apart from the National Theater's 'Hedda Gabler.' This production features veteran performer Lee Hye-young, who has extensive experience in theater, adding to the anticipation.
In response, director Jeon In-cheol admitted, "I was a bit surprised when I heard that the National Theater's performance would be staged at the same time. It created some pressure. However, after a few months passed, I noticed that many people were showing interest in the fact that both performances are running simultaneously, and they seem to be speculating on the similarities and differences between the two. This appears to be more positive than I initially thought, and I believe it is a good thing that audiences are paying attention."
As for point of differentiation, Lee Hyun-jung explained, "In our discussions during preparation, we focused on how to write this adaptation. There is a script adapted by Richard Eyre from 2006 that he directed, and we believed it would be better to use that script. It effectively conveys our clear message of the piece without distorting the original work, while also interpreting the relationships more intricately. The difference may lie in utilizing Richard Eyre's adaptation compared to other directors and casts."
Moreover, Jeon In-cheol added, "The most significant difference may be the size of the space. The LG Arts Center is genuinely a grand theater performance. Therefore, we are preparing a massive set that is 16 meters wide and 10 meters high. We aim to utilize expressions appropriate for grand theater productions and craft spectacular scenes that incorporate both theater and live video elements. I believe this will result in significant size differences compared to the National Theater's production."
The emphasis on contemporaneity highlighted by LG Arts Center was also reiterated. Director Lee Hyun-jung mentioned, "From its time in Yeoksam, LG Arts Center has pursued 'contemporaneity.' The director also subscribes to the same view, believing that our performances should articulate the essence of our times and narrate relevant stories of life today. The stage must reflect our society, which is why I prefer works that have a contemporaneity. Even classical works, whether 100 or 200 years old, should resonate with contemporary audiences, which is crucial for relatability."
He stated, "We continue to discuss the international expansion of 'Cherry Orchard' and feel that one of the reasons is the fascination in how Anton Chekhov's 100-year-old story represents contemporary Korea. It is important to create works that provoke universal appeal among global audiences rather than simply focusing on globalization."
In this context, Lee Young-ae reflected, "Having married, given birth, and raised a child entering middle school and adolescence, my encounter with the work 'Hedda Gabler' stands out in my life as a woman. I wonder if I could have connected with it as well if I'd met it in my 20s or 30s. It is unique, yet there are definitely aspects that resonate with modern individuals; I hope it embodies qualities we can all relate to, regardless of gender. I believe Brack and Thea are both characters I encounter in my own life. Over 100 years old, yet I think they still evoke feelings relevant in modern times. I'm focusing on researching and understanding them, considering them as everyone around me."
"There are a lot of lines. If there's an NG (no good), it's a challenge physically," joked Lee Young-ae, admitting, "There's a pressure of leading the entire play without leaving the stage from acts one to three." Nevertheless, he stated, "Despite these challenges, working with good direction and fellow actors makes each day different. It's fascinating to discover colors of myself that I didn't know existed. I find inspiration from music and even from passersby. Every time you see 'Hedda' played by Lee Young-ae, it will be different. If you come once, twice, or even three times, each experience will vary, as I believe it will be a developing play every time you visit."
He also expressed, "I believe anyone who is an actress would want to play Hedda, given her versatile appeal. I feel the same way. I wanted to perform Hedda because I could showcase various colors, and it aligned well with my timing. Having experienced marriage, childbirth, and parenting, I feel the emotions I've encountered have changed pre and post events. I realized these experiences could become significant nourishment for me as an actor. I started to wonder whether I could have another opportunity to be part of good works if I delayed further. As an actor, I share the same sentiments, but there's always a sense of deficiency after finishing; I wish I could have performed better, but I feel a lack of time. There's a desire to create an excellent stage with time and effort, and engaging in such tasks gives me more strength beyond acting."
Kim Jung-ho, who previously played the role of judge Brack in another 'Hedda Gabler,' spoke of his excitement about portraying Hedda's husband Tesman: "I believe we will approach this with new attempts and direction. I anticipate that you will find a different style from the past Hedda. I'm curious to see how the work will uniquely develop and how the distinct feelings will be created in this performance." He added jokingly, "Being Tesman is a happier role; everyone envies me for having Lee Young-ae's Hedda."
Director Lee Hyun-jung concluded, "I hope this work thrives so that it becomes a sustainable piece lasting long and meeting many audiences. Not only at the National Theater, but this autumn, there will also be a drama adaptation of 'Hedda Gabler' in the United States. It feels like the times are calling for 'Hedda Gabler,' and I confidently assert that it is a must-see work of this era."
Director Jeon In-cheol also expressed, "There is a point where the melancholy and solitude of the lead meets 'Hedda Gabler,' which is why it appears to be performed not only in Korea but also globally. I am eagerly awaiting the final outcome of this production. Please continue to cheer us on."
'Hedda Gabler' will be staged at LG Arts Center Seoul from May 7 through June 8.
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