Broadway's 'Rent' Resonates with Youth: A Timeless Tale of Struggle and Identity

The voices of the youth filled the theater, echoing the timeless struggles and uncertainties of young adulthood. 'Rent' offers a powerful message of hope and solace to these young souls.

Premiering on Broadway in 1996, 'Rent' is a modern adaptation of Puccini's opera 'La Bohème.' Set in New York's East Village, it portrays the intense lives of young artists confronting societal taboos such as homosexuality, AIDS, and drug use, all while asserting their identity and presence in the world.

'La Bohème' translates to 'Bohemian' in French, a term used in the late 19th century to describe wanderers or free-spirited artists and writers. 'Rent' features characters like Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, and Angel, each with unique backgrounds and personalities, growing through the pain of poverty.

The musical is based on the autobiographical experiences of composer Jonathan Larson. In 'Rent,' Mark loses his girlfriend Maureen to another woman, and the meetings for AIDS patients and the deaths of friends from AIDS are drawn from Larson's life. Despite the apparent sadness, Larson's experiences taught him to find joy and happiness in everyday life.

True to its youthful theme, the scenes in 'Rent' transition rapidly, with each of the eight characters having distinct stories. The music spans genres from rock to R&B, tango, jazz, ballad, and gospel, keeping the audience engaged.

The visual appeal is also noteworthy. The vibrant costumes range from leather jackets to leopard print gowns, with Angel's skirt adorned with lights reminiscent of a Christmas tree. A live rock band with keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums adds to the immersive experience.

'Rent' is a Song Through-Musical, where most dialogue is sung. This format can challenge the audience's focus on dialogue and emotion, a characteristic evident in 'Rent.' The set remains static, with only the musical numbers changing, requiring the audience to follow the story and scene transitions through the songs.

Despite this, the message is clear. The eight characters are intertwined in a complex web of relationships. Former college professor Collins falls in love with Angel and introduces her to Mark and Roger, who are roommates. Through themes of homosexuality and AIDS support groups, they explore various forms of love, ultimately realizing they are connected by the same 'warmth.' This theme, along with Angel's skirt decoration, makes the musical fitting for the winter season.

Over a century has passed since Puccini's 'La Bohème' debuted, yet the anxieties and struggles of youth remain unchanged. 'Rent' has captivated audiences over ten times since 2000 for this reason. Actress Kim Soo-yeon, currently starring in 'Rent,' hopes the audience finds a moment of freedom and warmth in the world through the performance.

By Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr