Synopsis
The Old Man and the Sea is the latest piece of Lee Jaram, a pansori artist vastly active in and out of Korea with pieces such as Sacheon-ga, Ukchuk-ga, Stranger’s Song, and An Ugly Person / Murder. Lee’s new piece is based on Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, recreated in pansori form. Lee Jaram goes back to the basics of pansori, and only with traditional Pansori linguistics and simple percussion, she brings the story to life and fills the whole stage with its presence. The piece is directed by Park Jihye of the ‘Yangson Project’ whom Lee previously worked with on Stranger’s Song, in collaboration with Yeo Sindong as scenographer.

A story of an old fisherman living in Cojimar, a small fishing village in Cuba. Having made a living out of pole and line fishing all his life, the old man was a natural fisherman, always catching the largest fish. However, his luck seemed to have run out as he no longer is able to catch big fish. On the 85th day at sea, a giant marlin appears in front of the old man. Thus begins an epic struggle between the marlin deep in the sea and the old man holding his fishing pole at the surface.

About company
Wansung Playground is an organization led by the creator Lee Jaram. Lee is the creator and sorikkun (singer, storyteller) of pansori pieces, Sacheon-ga and Ukchuck-ga, which achieved unprecedented success. She holds a very special place in the world of performing arts in Korea and became a prominent artist who commands the spotlight. Lee and her pieces were invited to be performed in various countries including France, Romania, Poland, the United States, Brazil, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, creating a remarkable sensation. She was invited many times by presenters in the field of performing arts to host workshops in France for professional actors and students. In particular, when Lee was invited to the Sydney Festival, one of the largest cultural events in Australia, she received great praise from the Australian media and audiences for her premiere performance of Ukchuk-ga.

History
2020.07 The Old Man and the Sea (national tour) / Gwangju, Korea
2019.12 The Old Man and the Sea (national tour) / Ulsan, Korea
2019.11 The Old Man and the Sea (world premier) / Seoul, Korea

*Photo Credit: DOOSAN Art Center