On July 24th, an interview was conducted with director Shin Yoo-cheong, translator Hwang Seok-hee, and actors Yoo Seung-ho, Son Ho-joon, Go Joon-hee, Jung Hye-in, Tae Hang-ho, and Min Jin-woong after the demonstration of the preparation for the play “Angels in America”at the Unjeong Green Campus of Sungshin Women’s University in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Photos of the practice room were also unveiled during the interview.
“Written by Tony Kushner in 1991, “Angels in America”is a theatrical production that takes place in the United States during the 1980s. It portrays the tumultuous end of the century, exploring themes of religion and race while highlighting the social discrimination experienced by marginalized communities.”
Despite being a seasoned actor since childhood, Yoo Seung-ho has recently taken on his first theater role in 25 years. When asked about his decision to join this production, the actor stated that there was no particular motive, but rather a strong inner drive that led him to take on the role. He admits to still being unsure of the reason behind his decision, but is excited about the challenge of delving into the motivations behind his desire to perform in this play.
Yoo Seung-ho, when questioned about his portrayal of a gay character, revealed that he had limited knowledge about the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in their everyday lives. To gain a better understanding, he delved into watching movies and reading the Bible. He even went as far as wearing nail polish and accessories to empathize with the perspective of gay individuals.
Actor Son Ho-joon, who has been away from the theater stage for a while, is set to make a comeback. In his role as Prior, he shared, “I was drawn to this project because of the opportunity to expand my skills. Working alongside such talented actors has been a joy and a valuable learning experience.”In preparation for his character, he also mentioned studying videos of individuals with similar traits to fully embody the role.
Ko Joon-hee and Jung Hye-in, who play the character of Harper Pitt, shared their thoughts on taking on their first play. Ko Joon-hee mentioned her nerves about performing on stage, but also expressed her eagerness to learn through the experience. After a long break from acting, she is excited to work with talented colleagues and staff.
During a recent interview, Jung Hye-in, who has harbored a passion for acting since watching a play during her middle school years, opened up about her aspirations. She revealed, “I believe it was ‘Angels in America’ that truly resonated with me. My ultimate goal is to produce a memorable performance that deeply connects with the audience.”
Finally, according to director Shin Yoo-cheong, this production holds a multitude of meanings that go beyond the boundaries of a traditional play. It was a transformative experience that completely changed the course of my life.
The production of “Angels in America”is scheduled to run from August 6th to September 28th at both the LG Art Center Seoul and LG SIGNATURE Hall.
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