“Let’s hold on just a little longer.”
Actress Lee Ju-hwa shared a heartfelt message and reflections on her life on stage with junior artists.
On Teacher’s Day, May 15, 30 musical theater students from Myongji University visited the Huam Stage at Star City in Daehak-ro to watch the play ‘Misunderstanding’ as a group.
In this production based on the original work by Albert Camus, Lee Ju-hwa takes the stage in the role of ‘Saetbyeol’.
‘Misunderstanding’ is a dense exploration of human deficiency, loneliness, and the tragedies hidden within families. Lee Ju-hwa has been receiving rave reviews from the audience for her delicate emotional range and deep immersion.
During the visit, Lee Ju-hwa personally gifted a copy of her recently published book, ‘Wedding Dress’, to each of the aspiring actors.
‘Wedding Dress’ is Lee Ju-hwa’s signature monodrama that she performs every year, and it has earned acclaim on global stages, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the UK and the Osaka Monodrama Festival in Japan.
This new book provides a detailed look at the beginning, planning, stage preparation, practice, and acting techniques of the monodrama ‘Wedding Dress’ from an actor’s perspective. It also captures the essence of acting and the time spent by an actress who has moved between the stage and broadcasting for over 30 years.
Lee Ju-hwa stated, “I wrote this book hoping that even a single line would reach those who dream of becoming actors, those who want to put their own stories on stage one day, and actors who want to convey their sincerity through a monodrama.”
She then offered sincere words of encouragement to the young artists.
“The path of an actor is very long and difficult,” Lee Ju-hwa said. “There are many times when no one recognizes you, and moments when you want to give up. However, I believe that only those who endure those times and finally stand on stage will find their own unique voice.”
She added, “I hope this book can be like a small chair where you can take a moment to breathe when hard times come. I would be happy if it gives someone the strength to think, ‘Let’s hold on just a little longer.'”
Meanwhile, Kim Chang-hoon of Sanulrim, who is currently working on the ‘Sanulrim 50 Year Project’, recommended the new book ‘Wedding Dress’, saying, “I believe an actor who can fully carry a monodrama is truly an actor’s actor. Lee Ju-hwa’s ‘Wedding Dress’, which has provided great resonance since its premiere, is a precious memoir that meticulously documents the birth of a play. I highly recommend it to theater actors and those who love theater.”
