Opera '1945' showing S. Korea the way to mend ties with Japan
- 5 years ago
Amid the bitter relations Korea and Japan over trade and diplomatic issues,... there is a special opera that gives some hints on mending ties between the two countries.
Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more.
'1945'.
That was a huge year in Korea's history, the year of its liberation from Japan.
It is also the name of an opera taking place at Seoul Arts Center on Friday and Saturday.
The opera '1945' has been adapted from a play of the same name as part of efforts to mark the 100th anniversary of Korea's March first independence movement and the establishment of Korea's provisional government.
But rather than just looking at the big themes of liberation and independence, the opera's writer focused on the stories of people living through that moment in history.
"Instead of describing the year 1945 with just a few words and ideological and political events,… I tried to look into the people who actually had to live through that time."
The opera is set in a refugee camp for Choun people in Zhangchun, China.
Two main protagonists, Mizuko and Bunee both suffered as comfort women, and even though they have different nationalities, they are close friends as they shared their painful memories.
Being pregnant, Mizuko wishes to start a new life in Chosun and Bunee lies about Mizuko, telling people in the camp that Mizuko is her mute sister.
But as they are about to board a train that goes to Chosun, people find out the truth about Mizuko.
"The scene where Bunee and Mizuko couldn't leave the place even when the train comes is the most impressive and tragic because despite their wishes, they couldn't leave."
Bunee eventually stays with Mizuko as the train for her homeland disappears into the distance, showing a strong bond formed between so-called 'enemies'.
This opera doesn't just tell the touching story of these two characters.
It gives us a chance to think about how we can resolve the current relationship between Korea and Japan.
"Conscious citizens of both countries eventually will have to pursue coexistence and acknowledge we are living this world together."
"This human drama leaves its audience with the message that in this global world, people should look beyond narrow definitions of race and nationality, and rather show empathy toward anyone who has suffered from oppression.
KIM Bokyoung, Arirang News."
Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more.
'1945'.
That was a huge year in Korea's history, the year of its liberation from Japan.
It is also the name of an opera taking place at Seoul Arts Center on Friday and Saturday.
The opera '1945' has been adapted from a play of the same name as part of efforts to mark the 100th anniversary of Korea's March first independence movement and the establishment of Korea's provisional government.
But rather than just looking at the big themes of liberation and independence, the opera's writer focused on the stories of people living through that moment in history.
"Instead of describing the year 1945 with just a few words and ideological and political events,… I tried to look into the people who actually had to live through that time."
The opera is set in a refugee camp for Choun people in Zhangchun, China.
Two main protagonists, Mizuko and Bunee both suffered as comfort women, and even though they have different nationalities, they are close friends as they shared their painful memories.
Being pregnant, Mizuko wishes to start a new life in Chosun and Bunee lies about Mizuko, telling people in the camp that Mizuko is her mute sister.
But as they are about to board a train that goes to Chosun, people find out the truth about Mizuko.
"The scene where Bunee and Mizuko couldn't leave the place even when the train comes is the most impressive and tragic because despite their wishes, they couldn't leave."
Bunee eventually stays with Mizuko as the train for her homeland disappears into the distance, showing a strong bond formed between so-called 'enemies'.
This opera doesn't just tell the touching story of these two characters.
It gives us a chance to think about how we can resolve the current relationship between Korea and Japan.
"Conscious citizens of both countries eventually will have to pursue coexistence and acknowledge we are living this world together."
"This human drama leaves its audience with the message that in this global world, people should look beyond narrow definitions of race and nationality, and rather show empathy toward anyone who has suffered from oppression.
KIM Bokyoung, Arirang News."