Jang Yeongguk.
Actor Lee Changhun found himself thinking about the rookie actor Jang Yeongguk. In Spring of Joseon, a play by playwright Jeong Yongdae, Lee Changhun was the oldest and most experienced actor in the cast. Though he had left the theater scene to pursue a career in film, the theater world had continued to call for him over the years. Yet, he had never returned to the stage. Until now.
The reason he decided to return to the stage was simple: playwright Jeong Yongdae and stage director Seong Jihun. Without their passionate persuasion, he would never have stepped foot in a theater again.
Interesting.
His gaze was fixed on the filmography of Actor Jang Yeongguk on the screen. Over the past few days, he had watched all the dramas and independent films Jang Yeongguk had appeared in, even the movies in which he only had cameo roles.
The reason he was researching Jang Yeongguk was simple: he was about to take on the role of interim director for Spring of Joseon. As the most senior actor, he had to lead the younger actors forward. In that sense, it was questionable that a rookie who had never properly stood on a theater stage was taking the lead role.
I heard he never learned acting.
Actor Lee Changhun felt a strange curiosity about Jang Yeongguk’s performance in Man of August, which he had acted in as a child. According to the behind-the-scenes story he read in a magazine, the PD and writer discovered him in a market in Yeongdo, on the outskirts of Busan. However, the young Jang Yeongguk on screen clearly had the demeanor of someone who had learned acting.
Is it innate?
Could that be possible? In his entire acting career, he had met a few people who were naturally talented, but none to this extent. As proof, in a scene where he acted alongside Actress Park Suyeong, he gave such an overwhelming performance that it seemed to swallow hers.
At first, he thought Jeong Yongdae had cast Jang Yeongguk purely to generate buzz. After all, Jang was the rookie who had captured the nation’s attention over the past year with the title of the “Nation’s First Love.”
“Everyone who worked with him seems to unanimously praise him.”
After inquiring in various places, Actor Lee Changhun found that the praise for the new actor Jang Yeongguk was endless.
However…
Theater and drama are different.
No matter how naturally talented one was in drama, he had seen many cases where they tasted the bitter water in the theater scene. Because of this, Lee Changhun became even more curious. Indeed, what kind of performance would Actor Jang Yeongguk show in today’s rehearsal?
* * *
The theater.
Traditionally, the theater world had clear hierarchical relationships. Unlike the broadcasting world, where popularity could make one arrogant, the hierarchy between seniors and juniors was clear in theater. Since acting was performed close to the audience, not a single mistake was tolerated. Therefore, the discipline required was as strict as that of a head chef inspecting a dish.
Lee Changhun, Ji Dongyeon, Kim Minhwa, Park Sangah, Son Jimin…
I couldn’t help but be surprised by the people gathered for the rehearsal. They were all actors who had made a name for themselves in the broadcasting world. They were people who had experienced all sorts of trials in the world of theater. Even stage director Seong Jihun was present.
During my college days, professors often said that if playwright Jeong Yongdae hadn’t stopped writing and stage director Seong Jihun hadn’t left theater, the Korean theater scene would have developed decades faster.
“Nice to meet you all. Some of you I know, and some I don’t, so I’ll introduce myself first. I’m Seong Jihun, the director and stage manager.”
Starting with the stage director, Seong Jihun, introductions from playwright Jeong Yongdae and the actors followed. The seasoned actors showed no signs of nervousness, and even Yeon Su was able to hide her trembling heart and gave an energetic greeting. Finally, it was my turn.
“I’m Jang Yeongguk, playing the lead role of ‘Baek Muyeol.’ It’s an honor to meet the seniors here today. I look forward to working with all of you.”
It reminded me of when I first stepped into the theater world. Back then, I was so nervous during the introduction to the seniors that I even stuttered. The stage director and some actors looked at me with curious eyes. They were probably wondering what kind of talent I had to captivate playwright Jeong Yongdae. It was then…
Clap!
Actor Lee Changhun stood up and clapped his hands to draw attention. Stage director Seong Jihun and playwright Jeong Yongdae also slowly stood up. Yeon Su looked bewildered, but I knew what was going on.
“Unintentionally, I, Lee Changhun, have become the oldest and most experienced actor among us, which is why I’ve taken on the role of interim director. The reason we’ve all put a halt to our broadcasting schedules and gathered here is none other than for the rehearsal. As you can see, we’ve rented the stage of the now-defunct Seonghwan Theater for a month. While we’re not yet ready for a full-fledged dress rehearsal, we can do a reading while working through the movements. With just a month left until the Daehan Theater Festival, we’ll need to work tirelessly. After all, a single performance will determine what kind of reputation we will have.”
At Actor Lee Changhun’s last words, everyone swallowed nervously. The atmosphere, which had been friendly during the introductions, instantly turned tense. After all, they were actors who had left the theater. Their determination to take on this stage would be as strong, if not stronger, than any other actor.
“From now on, I’ll speak casually.”
The reason Lee Changhun, known for his gentle demeanor, spoke so strongly was simple. Unexpected situations on stage were beyond the control of the stage director or playwright. Furthermore, the leader’s role was akin to that of a drill sergeant.
Sometimes, he must be as kind as a mother, but at other times, as strict as a father. In short, he was taking on the responsibility as the senior actor.
“Let’s start the rehearsal with Yeon Su first.”
I expected that.
In most theater rehearsals, it was common to have the rookies go first. After all, Yeon Su and I were newcomers with no proper theater experience. From the perspective of the seasoned theater actors, they couldn’t help being curious.
“Yes!”
Yeon Su responded energetically and stood up. In the empty audience seats, only the stage director, playwright, and the other actors were seated. I also sat in an empty seat and watched Yeon Su, who was standing alone on stage.
“Phew.”
Yeon Su was calming her breath.
Seeing her brought back memories of my first time on stage. Back then, I had performed while the senior members of the theater group watched from the audience. Honestly, I couldn’t even remember what kind of performance I gave.
Although it was just a rehearsal, the pressure of the first stage made my vision go white, and my voice trembled. Naturally, what followed were scoldings from the sunbaes.
I hope you don’t cry.
You would think rehearsals were just for taking it easy? No way, the one thing all theater people agreed on was the terror of rehearsals. Especially for rookies. It’s scarier to have sunbaes staring at you with piercing eyes than to have a full audience. Moreover, it’s not just a minor role but the lead. Not only were there many lines, but you also had to use a wide range of movements.
“Act 1, Scene 7.”
The voice of Director Lee Changhun echoed throughout the theater company.
Only then did Yeon Su start to move her feet and open her small lips.
“Who is that man to be hanging around with a Japanese woman like that? Truly, it’s a disgrace to Joseon. Does he want to become a dog of the Japanese, or does he want to become one of them?”
Her vocalization and tone were good. It was clear that she worked hard to erase what she learned from dramas. But there was a problem.
Blocking.
The stage wasn’t just about delivering lines. It was about conveying the actor’s emotions and thoughts to the audience without a thread of misunderstanding. In that sense, the character’s movements and expressions were essential. Moreover, what Yeon Su overlooked wasn’t just that.
I closed my eyes gently, as if anticipating the loud voice that would soon follow.
“Hey—!”
* * *
A cold atmosphere hung over the theater company. Those seated in the audience could only stare endlessly at the stage. Yeon Su, who was cheerful during introductions, now looked like she might burst into tears at any moment. She bit her lips, trying to endure it all. Yet…
“Again.”
The rehearsal had already been repeated so many times that it’s impossible to count on fingers. But Yeon Su was still stuck on the lines of Act 1, Scene 7. Like a never-ending Möbius strip, as soon as the lines ended, Director Lee Changhun would shout “Again” in a sharp voice.
He’s teaching her harshly.
Director Lee Changhun didn’t even point out what Yeon Su was doing wrong. I knew why he was pushing her to such an extreme. There was a reason for jumping straight into rehearsals without even a script reading. After all, there wasn’t much time left until the Daehan Theater Festival.
Shock therapy works best.
I experienced it in my past life too. Sunbaes would line up and make you repeat endlessly without telling you what was wrong on the first day. If they were going to teach you everything, you might as well go to an acting school, not a theater company.
I did it for three hours.
Yeon Su was better off, however. When I did my first rehearsal in my past life, I had to redo the scene under a barrage of curses from the director for a full three hours. Repeating the same lines for three hours would make one’s mind go blank and their hands and feet tremble.
Many rookie actors fled the theater scene after experiencing this kind of ordeal. Each time, the sunbaes would only say:
“Only those who are meant to stay will remain in this field.”
As if to prove that point, Yeon Su once again bit her lips and recited the lines. Despite the fatigue from the repeated lines, she strove to maintain her vocalization and tone. It was then, however, that…
“Stop.”
Actor Lee Changhun smiled with satisfaction and nodded. An hour had already passed, yet the sunbaes never took their eyes off her. Now, it was their turn to step in. Typically, they refrained from immediately pointing out a rookie’s mistakes, preferring instead to let the rookies observe the sunbaes’ performances in the next rehearsal and discover the corrections on their own. Yet…
“Yeongguk.”
Me?
Actor Lee Changhun looked at me. I had momentarily forgotten, lost in memories of my past life.
“Get up there.”
I remembered that I, too, was a newcomer right now.
