ENTERTAINMENT
Musical 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' Captivates Audiences with Stunning Visuals and Unique Sound
Premiering on the 27th of last month, 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' (directed by Yoon Ho-jin) is based on the novel 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' by author Choi In-ho, which draws inspiration from the 'Domijeon' folktale in the Samguk Sagi.
The production has been praised for perfectly recreating the unique blank spaces and blurring of traditional ink paintings using modern video technology, with the stage itself being described as a work of art. The dreamlike landscapes of the peach blossom land, projected through LED screens, quickly immerse the audience into the legends of Baekje.
Beyond a simple retelling of the folktale, the production visually amplifies the primal desires of humans and the transcendent value of noble love. The scene depicting a game of Go on a giant board, where black and white dancers intricately intertwine, stands out as a symbolic masterpiece of dynamic energy and restrained aesthetics.
The musical's score is also groundbreaking, combining the rich sounds of a Western orchestra with the elegant mystique of traditional Korean instruments like the daegeum and piri, creating a unique soundscape. The sharp electronic sounds in key numbers like 'Mokji's Old Song' and 'Dear You' modernize the characters' intense obsessions and desperate emotions.
This fusion injects tension into the static beauty of traditional Korean music, adding vibrant energy to the classic narrative and providing a cathartic experience. It has been praised by audiences as having an "addictive melody" and being the "essence of East-West crossover," driving young audiences to the theater through word-of-mouth.
The actors' intense performances were pivotal in elevating the production's quality. Min Woo-hyuk and Kim Joo-taek, playing King 'Yeogyeong,' portrayed the lonely ruler's descent into madness between love and obsession with depth and complexity. Ha Yoon-joo and Yoo Ri-ah, as 'Arang,' conveyed the character's noble convictions with mysterious vocals and delicate emotions. Lee Chung-joo and Kim Sung-sik, as 'Domi,' added weight to the narrative with their powerful singing and sincere acting, captivating the audience.
The ensemble's contribution to the stage's energy was also remarkable. The 'black and white' Go game scene, with its dynamic choreography and overwhelming stage design, became an iconic moment of the production. The meticulously calculated group dance filled the grand theater stage without a single flaw, providing an unforgettable thrill to the audience at every performance.
Having successfully completed its run at the National Theater, 'Dream of the Peach Blossom Land' will undergo a brief reorganization before continuing its performances at the Charlotte Theater in Jamsil from April 11 to May 10. Production company Acom stated, "It was a time to reaffirm the infinite potential of Korean-themed content," and promised to "enhance the production's quality even further so that more audiences can enjoy this beautiful and thrilling stage at the Charlotte Theater."
Reporter Dayeon Jung, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr
