A theater director with 60 years of experience is showing... he's more than just a great
director,... but also a great contributor to the world of theater.
Our Yim Yoonhee joins me today with more.
Director Lim Young-woong has worked on over 60 productions, established
a theater and helped nurture the next generation of actors.
And now, he's celebrating his 60th year anniversary in the industry with a special play.
Take a look.
Charlotte hasn't seen her daughter in over 7 years, and when they meet again, the tension
from their troubled relationship has yet to be cleared up.
An accomplished pianist, Charlotte never saw eye to eye with her daughter,... but the two
decide to try to make amends, learning new things about each other in the process.
Korean director Lim Young-woong's reinterpretation of Ingmar Bergman's drama film of the same
name, takes the stage to commemorate Lim's 60 year anniversary since his debut.
"I'm very fortunate to be able to have done plays, which is something I love, for the
past 60 years."
"We were together for the founding of the Sanwoolin Theater Company, and he guided me
through my first play, so we're very connected."
The Sanwoollim Theater Company debuted with the production of the Nobel winning play "Waiting
for Godot ," led by Director Lim in 1969, along with the cast members.
And since then, they've expanded, even building it's very own theater.
"Samuel Beckett's play 'Waiting for Godot ' perfectly captures the idea of the odd modern
times and the people who live within it."
Since the beginning, the Sanwoollim Theater Company has been a special contributor to
the world of theater, producing legends such as actress Son Suk who has now been acting
for 52 years,... all made possible by the genuine passion of Director Lim.
"He's someone who is always there for you in any life crisis, to teach you and even
carry you."
Director Lim has been a profound influence on many in the field, as not only a director,
but also a teacher, a guide, and friend.
"In life comes wisdom and experience.
We want to show this through the stage,... and to inspire people to live with character.
I hope this play can guide people with that."
You were telling me earlier that there's actually a very special story behind the theater, that
further proves how dedicated Director Lim is to his work.
The theater was established in 1985 near Seoul's Hongik University.
But Director Lim and his wife built the three-story building with their own money, and I'm sure
you can imagine the cost of doing something like that.
It really reaffirms his love for theater and plays.
You see so many musicals, both homegrown and imported here in Korea, but what about the
theater culture?
Daehangno, which is where this play takes place, is the epicenter.
I was there just the other day, and they set up bulletins around the area that display
all the different plays going on.
It's interesting, the play is very important.
A theater director was telling me the other day that the play is the basis for all theater
productions, including musicals and operas, because essentially everything includes acting.
So it's no surprise that the play culture here in Korea is also thriving, with dozens
and dozens of plays staged on a daily basis.
Thank you for that report.
Always a pleasure.