Shake-up behind the curtain

And this year it’s going to undergo a major modern makeover, one that will shake the foundations of the theater’s programming and even extend to its personnel, all in the service of returning to that noble, original purpose.

The state-run theater’s Chief Executive Officer Lim Youn-churl said in a New Year’s press conference last Tuesday that the organization’s three Korean traditional artistic companies -performance, orchestra, and acting (also called changgeuk in Korean) - will force its existing members to go through an audition process for the first time. Those who fail to pass will suffer disadvantages including lower wages.

Hwang Byung-ki, artistic director of the orchestra and known as a Korean traditional music guru, said the national theater has been criticized for its absence of any kind of filtering system for existing members.

“ “The annual auditions will make it possible for anyone - even the new members - to take the top position and will help the company grow into a competitiveness-based organization,” Bae said.

The national theater originally had four companies. But this year, its drama company is set to be spun off as an independent foundation - a plan long favored by the Culture Ministry. Although the foundation will still be under the control of the ministry, Lim said the launch will be finalized by the end of June, when the theater will be celebrating its 60th year.