LG Arts Center to Host ‘Hedda Gabler’ Lead
May 7 – June 8 with a single cast
A multi-dimensional woman expressing desires and instincts
She empathizes with a variety of emotions after childbirth and child-rearing
The play is appealing as it allows interaction with the audience
Different excitement will be shown in each performance
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At a press conference held at the LG Arts Center in Seoul on the 8th, actress Lee Young-ae posed with a hand heart. “It will certainly be different from the Lee Young-ae seen in movies or dramas until now.”
Lee Young-ae (54) returns to the theatrical stage after 32 years. Although still in the process of developing both the character and performance about a month before the first show, one thing is certain: it will be yet another new facet.
Having portrayed sharp characters like ‘Dae Jang Geum’ and the vengeful ‘Sympathy for Lady Vengeance’ in her style, Lee Young-ae will take on the role of ‘Hedda Gabler’ in this play. She is a woman who outwardly appears elegant but harbors fiery desires and destructive instincts. The play is a classic masterpiece by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, written in 1980. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, LG Arts Center will present it from May 7 to June 8. Director Jeon In-chul, who previously received acclaim for plays like ‘Kyrie’ and ‘Sister Mok-ryun,’ will use contemporary techniques, including real-time video on a large screen for detailed psychological depictions.
At the press conference on the 8th, Lee Young-ae stated, “(The preparation process) is quite challenging but incredibly fun.” With about four weeks of rehearsals complete, each session involves dialogue and research. She mentioned, “Rather than saying ‘I’ll show you a certain appearance,’ I think the results of long-term research will naturally emerge.” She added, “The sheer amount of lines is physically demanding. In the 1st and 4th acts, I must lead the entire play without leaving the stage, which brings a great sense of responsibility. However, as I research the character with an amazing cast and crew, I feel exhilarated. It’s exciting when I discover new facets of myself that I didn’t know existed.”
In the original play, Hedda is torn and conflicted between her newlywed husband Tesman (actor Kim Jung-ho), an old flame Eilert (Lee Seung-joo), and the judge Brack (Ji Hyun-joon), who pressures her, along with a complicated relationship with Tejea (Baek Ji-won), a classmate who incites jealousy, and Tesman’s traditional-minded aunt (Lee Jung-mi). Richard Eyre’s adaptation highlights Hedda’s proactive emotional expression and multi-dimensionality.
Lee Young-ae described Hedda as “a woman without answers,” adding, “I believe that a bright side must exist to reveal a darker side, which is what I’m exploring now.” She continued, “Having experienced marriage and raising children, with my child already entering adolescence, I can share a range of emotions as a woman. Even though it’s a classic that is over 100 years old, everyone, regardless of gender or era, will find something to empathize with through Hedda.”
Lee Young-ae noted that her decision to return to the stage was inspired by her only previous play, “Jjajangmyeon” (directed by Kim Sang-soo) in 1993. “It’s a story from my mid-20s, when I had just started acting. With a passion for theater, I personally handed out flyers and worked hard. It was fun, which is why it left a lasting impression. Most notably, the ability to interact with the audience is highly attractive.”
Coincidentally, the National Theater Company will also present ‘Hedda Gabler’ at Myeongdong Theater featuring actress Lee Hye-young with Park Jeong-hee as artistic director from May 8 to June 1. While comparisons and competition are inevitable, Lee Young-ae expressed, “I became captivated by Hedda through senior Lee Hye-young. I hope both productions do well.”