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Surviving in the World: A musical that reflects on oppression and humanity

 

Good morning. Welcome back to Surviving in the World (SIW), your biweekly newsletter written by CI students for anyone interested in global affairs. We always try to present select topics in global news in an easy-to-understand format.

 

Welcome to our exclusive series highlighting theatrical events that we hope offer readers an immersive journey into the world of performing arts. In this edition, we delve into a special musical that reflects on oppression and humanity: Kiss of the Spider Woman, reimagined by director Park Jae-Young.

 

Brought to you by: Keonhee Ahn (’25).

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Word Count: 729 / Time: 6 minute read.

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Origins of the Story: Originating from the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig, Kiss of the Spider Woman explores the relationship between two men, Molina and Valentín, in a Latin American prison setting.

 

What are themes?: The narrative delves into love, identity, freedom, and the oppressive forces that challenge these ideals.

 

Mediums of Adaptation: The story has been adapted into various forms, including film and theater, each offering unique interpretations of its rich themes.

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The characters:

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  • Valentin Paz is a passionate and idealistic Marxist revolutionary who is imprisoned for his political beliefs.

  • Luis Molina is a flamboyant and empathetic gay man, imprisoned for a sexual offense, who escapes the harsh realities of prison life through fantasies of movies starring his favorite actress, Aurora.

  • Aurora / Spider Woman is a famous film actress who appears in Molina's fantasies, embodying various roles, including the seductive and deadly Spider Woman who brings death with her kiss.​

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Brent Carver, Chita Rivera, and Anthony Crivello in the original Broadway company of Kiss of the Spider Woman. (source: Martha Swope / The New York Public Library)

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Park Jae-Young's Direction: A Contemporary Reimagining

 

Revival on Stage: Directed by Park Jae-Young, the play makes a significant return to the South Korean stage after six years, presenting a modern take on the classic story.

 

Focus on Universal Themes: Park’s adaptation highlights the story’s relevance to contemporary issues, such as oppression, prejudice, and the resilience of the human spirit.

 

Character Portrayal: Emphasizing the development of the relationship between Molina, a gender minority, and Valentín, an anti-government activist, the play addresses the complexities of identity and resistance.

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  • Through this latest production, Park aims to engage audiences with the enduring struggles against societal constraints and the transformative power of empathy and solidarity.

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What is the play’s central message?: The play serves as an important reminder of the struggle against oppression.

  • Director Park Jae-young, during a press call in Seoul, highlighted the work's relevance, noting, "Like Valentín and Molina, we too can be oppressed.”

  • “The dignity of the minority can be shattered by the prejudice of the majority."

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"Jung Il-woo Takes on 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (source: Yonhap)

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How is Molina portrayed?: Actors Jeon Bak-chan, Lee Yool, and Jung Il-woo brought to life the character of Molina, each infusing their performance with the character's romanticism and inherent dignity.

 

Valentín's Representation: Park Jung-bok, Choi Seok-jin, and Cha Sun-woo assumed the role of Valentín, depicting the political prisoner's stoicism and complexity.

 

Actor Reflections: Jung Il-woo, returning to the stage after a hiatus, shared his personal connection to Molina's vulnerability.

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  • Meanwhile, Cha Sun-woo discussed his journey of growth through the role of Valentín, emphasizing the transformative power of theater.

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Why’s it so important?

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  • The ensemble and creative team behind Kiss of the Spider Woman advocate for a broader interpretation of the play's themes.

  • It challenges audiences to confront and reflect upon the realities of hate, discrimination, and oppression prevalent in society.

  • The play's return serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the relentless pursuit of dignity for all individuals, irrespective of their minority status.

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With performances scheduled until the end of March at the Yegrin Theater in Daehak-ro, Seoul, Park Jae-Young's Kiss of the Spider Woman will remains testament to the enduring struggle against societal prejudice and the power of human connection.

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