[Co-production by 2025 Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival and the National Theater of Korea

Opening Performance of the Sori Festival

New Production by the National Changgeuk Company

<심청 PANSORI THEATER SHIM CHEONG>

"Simcheong" Reborn beyond Spacetime

“Simcheong” Reborn beyond Spacetime The 2025 Jeonju Int'l Sori Festival and the National Theater of Korea coproduces <Simcheong>, the National Changgeuk Company of Korea's new production, which will open the festival. The performance is a collaboration between the two institutions, which signed a MOU contract in 2023 to promote performing art culture.

Unlike the traditional pansori “Simcheong-ga,” which centers on the themes of filial piety and self-sacrifice, the new “Simcheong” presents a different perspective by portraying the protagonist, Simcheong, as a figure who represents all the socially vulnerable people who have been oppressed and deprived of their voices and power. Through the Regietheater technique, which freely transforms time, space, and characters without being bound by the original content to create a new narrative, the work shows the depth of traditional pansori while infusing it with fresh perspectives and messages.

The work is writen and directed by Yona Kim, who has been actively working in Europe, mainly in Germany. She was designated “Director of the Year” by the opera magazine <Opernwelt> in 2017, and was nominated for the Faust Award in 2020. In 2024, she received critical acclaim for her direction of “Tannhäuser” with the National Opera Company. Yona Kim hopes to present "Simcheong" that transcends time and space, allowing audiences to intuitively grasp its universal essence even when they have no understanding of the original language, through interpretations that blur boundaries.

Lyricmaking will be worked by musical director Han Seungseok, who has composed music for various changgeuk pieces including <Madame Ong>, <Gwito>, <King Lear>, <The Merchant of Venice>, and <Boheoja: The Man Who Walks on Air>. He will bring the originality of pansori to the stage. In addition, a German crew with a variety of experience at world-renowned opera festivals will contribute to the stage design, perfecting a bold and innovative performance.

A Grand-scale Traditional Changgeuk Performed by 150 Cast Members

The three main characters, Sim Cheong, Sim Bongsa (Sim The Blind), and Bbaengdeok Eomeom, are double-cast, each bringing their own unique charm to the stage. The role of Sim Cheong is acted by Kim Woojeong of the National Changgeuk Company and Kim Yul-hee, who was chosen through the open audition, portraying a character who willingly sacrifices herself for all the weak.

Kim Woojeong, known for her clear and delicate voice, has received attention for her diverse roles since her joining the company in 2020, including the "Ongnyo" role in <Madame Ong>, the role of "Chunhyang" in <Chunhyang>, and the role of Kwon Buyong in <Jeongnyeoni>. Kim Yulhee is a vocalist of the traditional music group “Urisori Baraji” and a certificated trainee of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage pansori “Chunhyang-ga.” She is regarded as a versatile artist who crosses various genres such as jazz, reggae while also excelling in composition and acting.

The role of Sim Bongsa (Sim the Blind) will be played by Kim Junsu and Yoo Taepyeongyang, who are the two leading stars of the National Changgeuk Company. These two actors, who have captivated audiences with their performances in a wide range of roles spanning generations in the company's previous repertoires, will portray the blind Sim, representing the fixed steereotypes and vested interests with no realization of social reality. The role of “Bbaengdeok Eomeom” is played by Min Eungyeong, a little giant with a powerful voice with sorrowfulness, and Lee Soyeon, who has taken on leading roles with her clear voice and delicate emotional acting, showcasing contrasting charms. Additionally, Kim Mijin and Kim Geummi, seasoned members of the National Changgeuk Company who have taken on major roles, will portray “Nopa (old woman) Simcheong” and “Chanceller Jang's wife,” respectively. Including members of the National Changgeuk Company, the production features over 157 performers, including seasonal members, dancers, child actors, and choirs, filling the stage with a dynamic performance.

* Live camera footage will be broadcast on the stage screen during the performance. Please note that audience seats may be visible on screen.

Cast

Instruments

Geomungo | Choi Yeonghoon

Ajaeng | Park Heejeong

Buk | Cho Yongsu

Daegeum | Lee Wonwang

Piri | Lee Seongdo

Gayageum | Hwang Sora

Percussions | Jeon Gyeyeol

and Others

Script & Direction | Yona Kim

Lyrical Composition & Music Director | Han Seungseok

Set Design | Herbert Murauer

Lighting Design | Reinhard Traub

Sound Design | Lee Sanghyun

Video & Live Camera | Benjamin Rüdtke

Costume Design | Falk Bauer

Makeup Design | Baek Jiyoung

Prop Design | Kim Sanghee

Collaborating Stage Design | Kim Jonghwon

Collaborating Costume Design | Hwang Soopool and Others