Playwright and director Han Tae-Sook stands unrivalled in her ability to analyse human nature and translate this into subtle and sensitive theatrical portrayals. Seeking to unveil the human psyche and explore its darkest aspects, she is known for her compelling psychodramas that feature characters in extreme circumstances. A major force in Korea’s theatre scene who constantly seeks to break conventions, Han is of the view that “a new departure is always exhilarating”. She has created and directed highly controversial yet superbly inventive works that have won awards and drawn much attention from the international theatre community. Lady Macbeth has continued to receive critical and popular acclaim wherever it is staged ever since its premiere in 1998, while Train for Xian swept almost every major Korean theatre award in 2003, including Best Play of the Year and Best Director. Founder of Theatre Moollee, Han established the company to explore new formats and subjects, and develop experimental cultural content and work to train new artists. This spirit of experimentation is what she believes will contribute to the diversity of drama in Korea.
“[Han Tae-Sook’s] intuitions into human nature and her sensitivity toward the ritualistic and play aspects of theatre have enriched Korean’s theatre scene” – Koreana
Personally Speaking..
How would you describe your philosophy or approach in art making?
I'd like to say that I’m trying to seek a new approach in keeping the essence of the arts alive and enable the audience to feel the living and breathing stage, to feel the energy on the stage. I’d like to say I’m trying to pursue unique artistic presentations by creating a kind of theatrical openness.
Who or what was the biggest influence on your decision to become an artist and subsequent artistic development?
I was deeply influenced by my family environment. One of my siblings was a major in music, and two of them studied fine arts, which meant I naturally grew up in a strong artistic atmosphere. Every day when I got back home I was listening to music, watching my brothers and sisters practising music and painting all the time. But since we didn’t have enough rooms, we had to share one large room for practising those arts. When I was young (maybe now still), I was not that much social and didn’t like to be surrounded by many people, so I found my own little space and would imagine the stories from the books I read. Another major influence has been Mr Yoo Duk-Hyung, a pioneer of experimental theatre and director of Dong-Rang Repertory Company, who is also dean of the Seoul Institute of the Arts. While I’ve taken his class only for one semester, his works have influenced me greatly.
What inspires or motivates you in your creative pursuits?
I usually get inspired and motivated by literature, music and childhood nightmares.
What do you love most about creating art?
I think bringing the two-dimensional world into three-dimensional space is the most fun part of creating art. And I love to experience all that psychological energy change into physical energy as well.
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