Immersive Musical 'Frida' Captivates Audiences with Intimate Performances

The stage felt like a vibrant music show, with lighting reminiscent of an amusement park ride. Four actors took the stage, driving the narrative without any ensemble support.

The musical 'Frida' is a show musical that portrays the final moments of Mexico's renowned artist Frida Kahlo in a framed narrative. It captures Kahlo's resilience as she transformed her lifelong suffering from a tragic accident into art, never losing her zest for life. The musical, which opened on the 17th, will run until September 7 at the 'Nol Uniplex' in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

As the curtain rose, the performance unfolded with relentless energy. The four actors engaged closely with the audience, exchanging ad-libs and encouraging applause and interaction. Before the show began, the protagonist Frida told the audience, "This is a performance we create together," and she meant it.

The stage props were minimalistic, featuring just a bed, a standing microphone, and a movable staircase when needed. However, the clever use of these simple stage elements stood out. A notable feature was the large set surrounding the stage, which displayed projections of Frida's paintings.

The lighting, combined with the actors' performances, heightened the audience's immersion, conveying Frida's emotions effectively. The monologues delivered by a single actor were crafted to allow the audience to focus on and empathize with Frida's life.

The performance lasts 110 minutes without intermission, during which the actors deliver continuous monologues, cries, and intense choreography. Despite being in a small theater, the actors' expressions, movements, and powerful voices made the audience feel as if they were in a grand theater.

However, the frequent direct interactions with the audience sometimes disrupted the immersion. The transition from intense acting to ad-libbing was very brief, and while the intention to engage was good, it risked causing audience fatigue.

Reported by Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr