Song Ilguk, Song Sunmi, and Sagang to Star in Play "A Streetcar Named Desire" Opening on the 8th

At Art Hall Mac, Mapo Art Center Until October 11

Song Il-gook, Song Sun-mi, Sakang, and others will perform in the play “A Streetcar Named Desire” from October 8 to 11 at the Mapo Arts Center Art Hall Mac.

Set in New Orleans in the American South, “A Streetcar Named Desire” depicts the tragedy that unfolds as Blanche, from a fallen Southern aristocratic family, clashes with Stanley, a member of the working class. Blanche visits the home of her sister Stella and her husband Stanley, hiding her past and hoping for a new life, but as Stanley relentlessly uncovers her history, their conflict leads to catastrophe.

Written by Tennessee Williams and first published in 1947, this play won both the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award. It was later adapted into a film starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando, which won four awards at the 24th Academy Awards: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Art Direction. Since its Korean premiere in 1955, the play has continued to be performed in Korea.

This production departs from the traditional interpretation that centers on Blanche, instead shifting focus to Stanley. Cho Kumhee, head of the theater company Tuetmaru and director of the play, stated, “Unlike the original, this version centers on Stanley. I wanted to question whether Stanley's violence, brutality, and lack of compassion can be justified in our society.”

Song Il-gook plays the role of Stanley. Departing from his heroic image in dramas like “Jumong” and his friendly presence on variety shows such as “The Return of Superman,” he embodies a character driven by desire and instinct.

Song Sun-mi plays Blanche. Sakang makes her theater debut as Stella, and Kim Joohee takes on the role of Mitch, Stanley's friend. Other cast members include Hwang Jungwon, Jang Kyungae, Maeng Sangyeol, Kim Kihwan, Kim Chaeha, Kang Heeyoung, Kim Eunkyung, and Kim Hyungrok.

Ko Young-geun, CEO of the Mapo Cultural Foundation, remarked, “This will be a stage where audiences can encounter a world-renowned classic from a new perspective.”

The performance will run for four days, with a total of six shows from October 8 to 11.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.