It`s day seven of Hi Seoul Festival 2007 and so far, the weather has graciously cooperated with the timing of events throughout the week. On Friday evening, participants of the festival headed to Gyeonghee palace where they had a chance to attend a first class performance. The show was the musical "Royal Dream of the Moon" and the setting couldn`t have been more perfect with a crisp, cool breeze and a spectacular stage set right in the midst of a truly magnificent palace. There`s always something truly magical watching a live show in the open air -- especially when held at an original historical site.
The musical, "The Royal Dream of the Moon" was first staged at the Gyeonggi Art Center in Suwon last year. The first performance in Seoul took place in Yangje this past March. Produced by the Gyeonggi Arts Center, the captivating musical is based on the charismatic King Jeongjo, who reigned during the Joseon Dynasty. The basis of the musical tells the story of Jeongjo who was famed for his progressive stance on his policies. He initiated several political reforms throughout his reign, such as establishing "Gyujang-gak" an imperial library to improve the cultural and political position of the Joseon dynasty and to recruit the brightest officers to run the country. King Jeongjo also tried to lessen the power of the aristocrats and the relatives of the queen which was becoming overbearing in the political arena. King Jeonjo also built the Hwaseong Fortress in the city of Suwon, the city where his father`s tomb is located. King Jeongjo`s life was marked by one of Korea`s most controversial and political scandals -- the death of his father, Sadoseja (Crown Prince Sado), who was allegedly put to death by his own father, King Yeongjo.
Directed by Lee Yun-tek, the musical brings to life the story of King Jeongjo and his political life and also interweaves his relationships between his supporters, father, mother and a fictional character named Jang-duk. Throughout the performance, we see Jeongjo`s inner character develop and his determination to achieve his dreams. With witty dialogue interwoven into the script combined with impeccable acting, the two hour show leaves you wanting to know more about this prodigious King who ruled Korea in the 18th century. Becoming King at a young age of 24 years old, the show is named the Royal Dream of the Moon because it is said that he once referred himself as the Moon trying to be a light upon his subjects -- who he referred to as the ocean. In Act One, we already learn that Jeongjo has high ideals and dreams -- wanting to move ths capital from Hanyang to Suwon to achieve political reform and to rid the outdated systems of government. It is in scene one that we are introduced to the character named Jang-duk, a lady who feels a connection with the King and who supports his ideas and reforms. Although her character is fictional, the sub-plot gives a wonderful tone of love -- a virtue that the king wanted to instill in his empire. It also provides the show with a chance to hear an exquisite aria by the two performers. The relationship between Jeongjo and Jang-duk offers an intriguing element to the overall plot as we learn in Act Two, that although Jang-duk is married, she continues to shows her infinite loyalty for the King`s works and helps him to work with other realists. It is this devotion that touches the hearts of people, as did Jeongjo with his dedication to his empire.
After the scene where Jeongjo and Jangduk perform their aria, the musical comes to an end where Jeongjo hosts a Jinchanyeon (birthday celebration) for his mother at Castle Hwasong. It is also a commemoration for his father, Sadoseja who was the same age as Lady Hyegyeong. In the last scene, Jeongjo sings his final song, "Royal Dream of the Moon" which captures all his dreams, both realized and unrealized. It is with this song that the musical ends -- leaving a poignant impression of the production, the actors, direction, sets and last not but not least, the music which is utterly divine. Composed by Kang Sang-gu, the musical score for The Royal of the Dream is modern, melodious and works exceptionally well with the traditional setting and story.
The Royal Dream of the Moon was a wonderful event that left the entire crowd in a standing ovation. If you missed the chance to see it at the Hi Seoul Festival 2007, you can catch it again later this year in Seoul. For more details, please go to
www.ggac.or.kr.
[Input: Feb.09, 2010, 13:30/Modified: Feb.09, 2010, 13:40]
Source : Tourism Promotion Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government
