Hyundai Theatre Company of Korea presents an original Korean Epic Music Drama “Another Sun” in London for a two-day limited performance on Aug 27-28, 2010. The Korean music drama “Another Sun” is based on the Korean national mythology of Dangun, the mythic human son born of Heaven God and a bear-woman, Earth Mother, who became the originator of the five thousand year-old Korean nation, and its peace-loving humanitarian ideal. Its grand narrative portrays a spectrum of characters, the good and the bad, and the in-betweens, with each and every one’s story standing in its own right, thereby creating a colorful and lively picture of humanity in that ancient times. Superbly sensitive music composition carefully brings individual characters into relief.

Director Kim, Jin Young deploys current theatre convergence strategies in creating an authentic Korean dramatic narrative, and yet supported and embodied by western theatre technology. Noteworthy are its beautifully sad Korean atmosphere created by the lighting using Korean traditional rice papers, and the dynamic liveliness projected by 3D screen, which collectively help create the illusion of the mythic legend come alive in real life. Also sightful are Korean-based choreography, and distinctly contrasting fast action scenes. Thus, the epic music drama witnesses a case in East-West convergence of music, directing and acting in an exquisite intercultural harmony. In this sense, the work has set a milestone in a new paradigm of original Korean musicals.

The lead character in this music drama is played by Kim, Sung-Won, a veteran actor with 50 year acting career across film, TV and theatre; Korean mythical Goddess Mago is played by Woo, Sang-Min, a mid-career female actor, who sensitively portrays the Korean ethos; and 20 more young actors such as Cho, Yu-Shin, Han Ae-Ri, Jung, Won-Young, and Son, Kwang-Up create a stage full of speed and vigor.

The music drama “Another Sun” premiered in 2007 in Seoul and was performed across the country in 30 some cities. It was also performed in New York City Center in 2008, and the Grand Theatre in Shanghai, China, receiving rave reviews.

Hyundai Theatre Company was founded in 1976, and has so far performed 120 works and over 4100 performances. A foremost pioneer in musical production in Korea, the company has been literally the leading group in fast growing Korean musical industry. Ever since 1995, it has staged numerous overseas tours, promoting understanding of Korean performing arts in the global world.

We, Hyundai Theatre Company, would like to share this rare opportunity of performing a Korean music drama with the audience in London. We sincerely hope that the Korean musical "Another Sun", carrying the message of love, peace and life in the midst of ever-warring global community, creates far-reaching reverberations in your minds.