Musical 'Sisyphus' Returns with a Message of Hope Amidst Ruins

In a world reduced to ruins, a message of hope emerges. This message offers comfort to audiences, suggesting that despite everything, life is still worth living, from the end of this winter through March next year.

On the 15th, the cast of the musical 'Sisyphus,' set to meet audiences on the 16th, gathered with the press. The press call event featured director Choo Jung-hwa, music director Heo Soo-hyun, and choreographer Kim Byung-jin. Cast members included Jung Min, Lim Kang-sung, Park Yoo-duk, Kim Dae-gon as Clown; Lee Hoo-rim, Kim Tae-oh, Lee Sun-woo as Astro; Lee Hae, Park Sun-young, Yoon Ji-woo as Poet; and Lee Hyung-hoon, Song Yoo-taek, Kang Ha-kyung, Jo Hwan-ji as Unknown.

'Sisyphus' intertwines Albert Camus' novel 'The Stranger' with the Greek myth of Sisyphus, presenting a musical narrative about four abandoned actors in a world devoid of hope.

The production returns for a revival nearly a year after its premiere in December 2024. Director Choo shared, "When we first started, I received many calls questioning why we were tackling Camus' Nobel Prize-winning work." She continued, "Reading 'The Stranger' in my teens left little impression, but now in my 40s, it resonates differently. I wanted to share this story with audiences."

Regarding changes from the premiere, Choo noted, "While the overall production remains the same, one significant change is the expression of the 'collapsed world.' The story begins after the world has collapsed, but we often forget this and focus solely on the stranger. The rehearsal atmosphere is so positive that it sometimes overshadows the seriousness with joy."

The characters Poet, Unknown, Astro, and Clown convey a deep message of passionately loving the moment despite life's hardships. Poet, as the name suggests, is a poet. Yoon Ji-woo explained, "The director wanted to give actors names resembling their roles. A poet draws inspiration from nature, life, and emotions, expressing them passionately."

Unknown signifies the potential to become anything, representing a character in turmoil. Astro, meaning 'star,' gazes at the stars. Lee Hoo-rim, who plays Astro, said, "I approached the role with the mindset of a new actor, believing that an actor's eyes shine like stars with purity and passion." Clown is a character who sublimates sorrow, appearing the most rational but burning intensely inside. The significance of their names becomes more pronounced when all four characters meet on stage.

Before its premiere last July, the production won the Best Supporting Actress, Aseong Creator, and Creative Musical Awards at the 18th Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF).

'Sisyphus' carries a message of hope, striving to continue life even in a world in ruins. Director Choo stated, "In the moment of accepting and confronting death, the character Meursault's desire to love life passionately will deeply move and resonate with audiences living weary lives."

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