'Jewish' play dazzles Korea
Seoul National Theater presents Korean adaptation of famous musical 'Fiddler on the Roof' based on Jewish family life; play proves to be big hit with audience
A pleased audience arrived to watch the play that may have its roots in the Jewish world, but deals with universal issues such as child-parent relationships, the old world versus modern progress, and the trials of faith.
Scene from Korean production (Photo: Kim Jin-Tae)
The production was directed by Argentinean-Jewish director Gustavo Zajac, and the Korean-language version of the classic musical will be running on stage until the end of December.
'Great admiration of the Jewish people'
An Israeli Embassy source in Seoul said the Koreans' deep interest in the Jewish way of life was not surprising, but its dimensions were very touching.
"The musical's success here in Korea is related to the great admiration of the Jewish people, of what they have been through and of the State of Israel for all its achievements," said Eran Yuvan, cultural attaché at the Israeli Embassy in Seoul.
"But is also related to the subject, everything to do with tradition, family, and values that is easy for them to connect with. The crowd responded fantastically to the play, they understood the Jewish humor well, and it was pretty amazing to watch."
The Korean version of the play features the orchestra on stage beside the residents of the Russian village Anatevka. Over 50 actors and band members take part in the production, and the play is being presented as a show for the whole family.
"The musical that a father and daughter can watch together," is the slogan stamped on posters advertising the play.
A Korean Times review of the play said, "Tevye looks like a Korean father. A father that sacrifices his life for the good of his family. He is strict and bold with his children, but wants to do everything for them… At the end of this year many fathers and daughters who love musicals will say after leaving the theater, 'That was so Korean!'."
