The play ‘Oedipus’ dives deep into the struggles of the human Oedipus, exploring a more profound level of agony.
A press conference for the play ‘Oedipus’ was held on the afternoon of the 27th at the Chungmu Art Center’s Cinema Small Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by Choi Soo-jong, Yang Jun-mo, Im Byung-keun, Lee Hyung-hoon, Nam Myung-ryul, Choi Soo-hyung, Park Jung-ja, Na Ja-myung, Producer Park Soo-yi, and Director Seo Jae-hyung.
‘Oedipus’ is a production based on a classic tragedy that relentlessly explores human fate, truth, and the irony of choice. Directed by Seo Jae-hyung and written by Han Ah-reum, the play has been recognized for its dense textual interpretation and original stage aesthetics, and it now returns to the stage with a new cast.
Director Seo Jae-hyung shared, “I am working to effectively convey the will of the human Oedipus. Since we live in such volatile times, I’ve set the goal of encouraging the audience to keep moving forward with strength and determination.”
Choi Soo-jong, who plays the role of Oedipus, admitted, “If the offer hadn’t been for ‘Oedipus,’ I would have hesitated. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to portray Choi Soo-jong’s own version of Oedipus.”
He added, “During the first week of practice, I actually thought about quitting, even if it meant paying a penalty. But as the days passed, the process of having everything I knew broken down and learning one by one has become something I find lovely and precious.”
Yang Jun-mo, who also plays the role, said, “Working with the director from the analysis stage through practice, I feel like I’ve been reborn and am living on stage. I can’t seem to escape the play because I have to dive back into it the next day. I’m not even a big drinker, but I find myself craving a cold beer when I get home.”
He further explained, “I hope the audience finds strength in seeing Oedipus as a fragile human before the gods, who doesn’t give up despite his agony and continues to move forward in life. I’m contemplating how to express an Oedipus who isn’t any different from us.”
Park Jung-ja, playing Tiresias, expressed her affection for the work, saying, “When I heard ‘Oedipus’ was being prepared again, I raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll do it.’ Meeting the character again, I feel a deep sense of pity for Oedipus that I didn’t feel before. The prophet is also human. I believe we are all beings who live within the fence and cycle of fate, forgiving and being forgiven, and living with compassion for one another.”
Im Byung-keun, playing the Chorus Leader, noted, “The role is like a narrator of the tragedy. I act as a commentator, opening and closing the scene for the gods, and representing the characters. I’m practicing with the help of that narrator-based role.” Lee Hyung-hoon, who also plays the role, added excitement by saying, “I’m working hard with the other actors to showcase a new performance style and our own unique charm.”
Nam Myung-ryul, returning to ‘Oedipus’ after seven years, shared his determination: “I wonder if my acting has deepened as much as my white hair has increased. I will strive to deliver a performance that reflects the depth of the years that have passed.”
Regarding Choi Soo-jong’s casting, Director Seo Jae-hyung joked, “Actor Choi Soo-jong is simply a king. Isn’t he the national representative for playing kings? When I discussed the project with CEO Park Soo-yi, she said he’s great at playing kings, and I was convinced.”
He continued, “The King Oedipus I want to see must have the word ‘human’ attached to him. I’m working to show ‘Human Oedipus Choi Soo-jong.’ You’ll see a different kind of ‘human’ Oedipus compared to Park Hae-soo or Hwang Jung-min. Although the theater is smaller, I believe it will be a dense and vivid performance.”
Meanwhile, ‘Oedipus’ will open on July 4 at the Sejong Center M Theater in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
