‘The Man Who Laughs’ Quest Doctor, guitarist, chairperson, etc.
Until August 22, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Grand Theater
In musicals, there are actors who reveal the situation of the lead actor or escalate the case. We pay attention to ensemble actors who make the musical stand out while adding vitality to the play with chorus or movement and movement. In Korea, there is a perception that ‘an actor who did not become a lead actor’, and we want to instill a correct perception of this.
Musical actor Lee Woo-seung, who debuted in 2003 with the musical ‘Funky Funky’, has been guarding the stage for 19 years. It is hard to find the pride or complacency that is often seen in people who have been on stage for a long time. He doesn’t even have the passion to invest quite a bit of time in creating a character. Thanks to his efforts, his characters shine even more on stage.
In the musical ‘The Man Who Laughs’, which opened on the 10th of last month and is being performed at the Grand Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, his character interpretation ability is particularly outstanding. He is the first contributor to the play as Dr. Conquest, adding richness to the work by giving a narrative to each character, such as the guitarist and chairman.
-It was my first relationship with ‘The Man Who Laughs’.
I applied after seeing the audition announcement, and luckily I passed. I haven’t seen the performances of previous seasons, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it, and it was something I was looking forward to. So, the whole process of participating in the performance was exciting and enjoyable.
– I’m curious about the practice process. How was your breathing with the actors during practice?
I can’t recall any particularly memorable anecdotes, but it was good to breathe because I practiced with veteran actors. It was a happy time to be able to work with good actors without any problems throughout practice.
-What roles do you play in the work?
Dr. Conquest, guitarist and chairperson.
Dr. Conquest is the instigator of ‘Compracchikos’, the main culprit in the kidnapping of children in London, England in the late 17th century. He is an unscrupulous human who kidnaps young children, deforms them, and sells them to monster shows. While he did all sorts of ugly and disgusting things, he lived without a sense of guilt. However, when a ship is wrecked by a typhoon and just before his death, he realizes how wicked and unscrupulous his actions have been, and apologizes and dies. With a thin and sensitive personality, the range of emotions is extreme, so it is impossible to predict how the other person will feel.
The guitarist’s name is Henri. He was of French descent and was born with weak legs, which prevented him from being active. So he will be sitting a lot during scenes. He was happiest to play the guitar alone since childhood. He opens his eyes and until he falls asleep, he just plays the guitar and is a grasshopper. Eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re sleepy, don’t worry or worry, just live for the present moment. He prefers alcohol over rice.
The chairman is the highest position among the nobility and is also a distant relative of the royal family. He is sociable, quick-witted and good at flattery. He does his best to look good to Queen Anne.
– The description of the character is quite specific. When creating a character, do you usually focus on the story the character has?
Right. I think the most important part is the environment in which the character was brought up. It’s like the experiences I’ve lived through are who I am now. As a result, I tend to think about the environment in which the character was raised and the detailed settings and apply it to the acting.
-Among all the characters, which one is your favourite?
Dr. Conquest is my favorite. It was the opening of ‘The Man Who Laughs’, so I felt pressure and it took a lot of time and effort to get the character.
-I’m also curious about the points where you feel hardships and rewards while participating in the play as an ensemble.
I do not know. I don’t think there was anything particularly difficult (laughs). As an actor, I am grateful and happy every day on stage. I think the most rewarding moment is the first day of every performance. It is the most rewarding feeling when you meet the audience for the first time. The first performance always seems rewarding and exciting.
-What is your favorite number (or scene) in ‘The Man Who Laughs’?
I like the theme of ‘The Man Who Laughs’, ‘The rich man’s paradise is built as the poor man’s hell’. Even if you don’t tell me the reason, you’ll know it right? (Laughs)
-If you were to be together in the next season, what role would you like to take on?
I want to take on the same role in the next season as well. I guess I have a lot of affection for the character I’m playing right now.
ⓒEMK Musical Company– You debuted in 2003 with a work called ‘Funky Funky’. It has already been 19 years since we debuted.
Actually, when I was young, I dreamed of being a movie star. Then I did a musical called ‘Subway Line 1’ at school, and it wasn’t unfamiliar to me to dance and sing on stage. He thought it was a very attractive genre and from then on he decided to become a musical actor.
-Is there any driving force that allowed you to live as a musical actor for a long time of 19 years?
Acting, dancing, and singing while directly meeting the audience on stage and feeling their reaction is the greatest joy and the driving force behind making musicals for a long time.
-At the time of your debut and now, I think a lot of things will change.
I think the biggest change is the popularization of musicals. The age group of audiences who watch musicals has changed. Also, I think the level of perfection has been improved thanks to the efforts of many people involved in musicals. Of course, you have to work harder to create a more complete work.
-While living as a musical actor, you also went through a special situation called COVID-19.
Yes, the pandemic period is also my slump. When Corona 19 started, the concert I had been practicing hard for was cancelled, and for a moment I became a blank slate. It was very difficult for me to be frustrated. For about a year and a half, I came up with 50,000 thoughts while delivering. In doing so, I became more convinced of how valuable it is to be on stage as an actor.
-You have participated in numerous works such as ‘Wicked’, ‘Kinky Boots’, ‘Rebecca’ and ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. What would you say is one of your most memorable works?
I want to pick ‘Funky Funky’, which was my debut film in 2003. At the time, I didn’t know anything and I didn’t know what to do, so I just worked hard. Being the youngest, I received a lot of help from my brothers and sisters and I received a lot of joy.
-Are there any new works or characters you would like to try?
In the past, there were works or characters that I really wanted to try, but now my thoughts have changed a bit. Now, I want to become an actor who can be of any help to the work that needs me.
-I am curious about the future plans and direction of actor Lee Woo-seung.
There is no special activity plan. However, if there is a wish, I want to become an actor who develops even a little bit more as the performances go on.
– What do you think is the most important thing as an actor?
I think every moment you stand on stage should be true.
– Is there a goal you want to achieve as an actor?
Becoming a ‘good actor’!
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