Play review - Choon Hyang

Theatre Review
Choon-Hyang
By
Kevin Kim
22/10/2008


On the 22nd of October, 2008, Ranga - Shankara presented Choon Hyang, a play based on a Korean folk tale. It was performed by a group of highly talented, young artistes from Korea. No words are too good to describe the enthralling performance displayed by them.

A play generally revolves around two main factors, form and content. There are several plays which are commended for their gripping contents and there are others which are applauded for their alluring form and appearance. This one was special. The plot was very simple and conventional for a love story but was designed in such a way that there were spaces to revamp and keep adding effects to the entire presentation. It added to the entire feel of the play.

The director and writer Kevin Kim has done a fabulous job with his young actors aged between 9 and 18. Designed in ethnic Korean style, the entire staging was a grand affair. The costumes were beautifully designed and were made of hanji paper, the traditional Korean way. All the characters were brimming with energy, covered with vibrant and enchanting colours. Time and again, the beautiful effect of the lights and the scintillating oriental music transported the entire audience to the magic of ancient Korea.

The plot although simple, is an example of true love and resilience. Choon Hyang is the daughter of a widow. Mong-Ryong is the son of a noble family and falls in love with her at first sight. As the story progresses, they secretly get married. He soon has to leave her behind and promises to be back soon as he needs to attend to a ceremony in which his father was to be promoted to an official position.

While he is away, a new governor is posted to Choon-Hyang’s town. He hears of her beauty and calls to see her immediately even though she is married. But when she doesn’t agree to his orders, he imprisons her and decides to kill her on his birthday to seek revenge for disobedience.

On the other end, Mong-Ryong passes an exam to become a higher official and is promoted to a higher position in the administration. He hears of her sad state and secretly builds an army to take down the new evil governor. A few comic twists follow till he discloses his true identity at the governor’s birthday event and punishes him for his misbehaviour and spitefulness. He is reunited with Choon – Hyang.

The simple plot, exuberant performances, vibrant colours, and authentic oriental music were enough to transport the audience to the backdrop of an ancient Korean Dynasty. Truly it was a love saga only second to Romeo and Juliet.