![A press conference for 'Quad: Questions of Theater: Evolving Texts' is underway at Daehakro Theater Quad. [Photo=Seoul Cultural Foundation]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/05/27/20260527170424304566.jpg)
"We are currently at war. This work is also at war." (Kim Woo-ok, Director)
Five prominent figures in the Korean theater scene will gather this fall at Daehakro. The directors, who have led the aesthetic evolution of Korean theater for nearly half a century, will present works that challenge contemporary society at the Daehakro Theater Quad from September to December.
At a press conference held on May 26 at the Daehakro Theater Quad in Jongno, Seoul, directors Kim Ah-ra, Kim Kwang-bo, Kim Woo-ok, Lee Seong-yeol, and Han Tae-sook discussed their upcoming performances.
The lineup includes Kim Ah-ra's "The Sound of Macbeth," followed by Kim Kwang-bo's "Why Are There Peppers on the Rooftop Garden?," Kim Woo-ok's "Dance of the Revolution," Lee Seong-yeol's "Flame," and Han Tae-sook's "Seohan Hwa Cha," which will run sequentially until the end of the year. Each director has established a unique stage language that contributes to the paradigm of contemporary Korean theater through structuralism, spatial experimentation, and physical language.
Notably, Kim Woo-ok, a master of Korean structuralist theater, will present "Dance of the Revolution," which has received acclaim for its experimental and fresh approach since its premiere in Korea in 1981.
Kim Woo-ok participated in the play as an actor while studying theater in New York during its U.S. premiere in 1976. He stated, "The main reason for bringing this 50-year-old work back is to experiment with whether the theater that was alive then is still alive now with the audience." He added, "I was surprised that young people enjoyed it so much during the 2023 performance. I want to test if this work can still be loved."
"Dance of the Revolution" consists of just 12 lines of dialogue and eight scenes, using small flashes of light from the actors and unconventional physical movements to express revolution. Kim Woo-ok explained, "There is no plot in this work. There are only eight situations related to revolution, and these situations are connected to our world today, where war is ongoing."
The directors also shared their thoughts on the essence of theater. Kim Ah-ra identified it as "play," Kim Kwang-bo as "everyday life," Lee Seong-yeol as "humanity," and Han Tae-sook as "comfort."
Kim Woo-ok's answer was simple: "fun." He remarked, "When you delve into the essence of theater, it becomes unclear. I did it without thinking too much. There is no need for difficult thoughts or theories in theater." He continued, "It is very enjoyable to perform a plotless play in a wonderful theater in Daehakro, and I want to show that even a plotless play has its own vitality."
He also expressed optimism about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in theater, stating, "Introducing new technology to the stage is essential. We need to explore how to incorporate AI into theater. It will lead to much more interesting outcomes."
He emphasized the importance of "fun" once again, saying, "If we can provide enjoyment, what can't we do? I believe that incorporating AI quickly will lead to much more entertaining theater in the near future."
Tickets are set to go on sale on July 28, and details can be found on the Quad website and Nolticket.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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