I'm a Journalist in Korea 18: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – The Musical - 스테이지_뮤지컬 '지붕위의 바이올린'

 

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – The Musical - 스테이지_뮤지컬 '지붕위의 바이올린'

Review by Kim Miso aka Rahel Limor

April 28 - May 16, 2021; The Seoul Musical Troupe at the Sejong Center for the Arts

175, Sejong-do, Jongro-gu, Seoul, South Korea, Tel: 02-399-1000, Web: http://www.sejongpac.or.kr/

   The musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, first appeared in 1964 in New York on Broadway. It has since become a classic masterpiece that is loved worldwide. This is the story of a Jewish family living in a shtetl, a small town called Anatevka in 1905 Russia. Touching upon themes of family relationships, community bonds, age-old traditions versus modern trends, and questions of faith it is a story that all ages can understand and relate to.

   It was a mixed pleasure to see and experience this musical here. I have seen the performance many times over a few decades so I was eager to see it again. I am one of the few Jews living in South Korea and I am happy to report that Koreans are particularly enamored of Jews and Israel. So I was curious as to how the musical would present in Korean and how it would be received by the general public here.

   Perhaps the reason for my slight disappointment with the Korean production is due to my long history and familiarity with this masterpiece. In general the production was good. It had all the right elements and was well presented and performed. The one thing I felt was lacking, at least for me, was a heartfelt deep sentiment and connection by the actors to the story and to the characters they were portraying. However in all honesty the sort of profound connection I was looking for could only be had by Jews who are living a Jewish life. The reason is because there is deep meaning behind the story, the props, the clothing, the shtetl life, the nuances of Jewish family values, traditions and community and of what it’s like to live as an outsider in a world that is generally unwelcoming to those who, for no other reason, are regarded as “different”.

   That said there is no doubt that Koreans will find connection to this story on many levels; the older generations’ hold on tradition, the younger generations’ desire to wiggle away from the strong cultural traditions, and society’s struggles against a history of persecution and wars. Perhaps these connections would have been more strongly felt had the actors allowed a bit more breathing space with the script, made slightly larger and exaggerated motions and movements and been a bit more casual with the dancing and choreography. A full-bellied hearty laugh, a large sweep of the hand and a slow, thoughtful pat on the head for example might have helped to create a stronger sentiment.

   

    If you have not yet seen “Fiddler on the Roof” then this is a must-see performance. The story is endearing. The songs and compositions speak to the typical scales, melody, rhythm, tone and texture of traditional Jewish music. You most definitely will want to see the famous “Bottle Dance” performed at weddings and the Russian dance too!

   “Fiddler on the Roof” is currently featured at the Grand Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts until May 16 (Sunday). Tickets cost 20,000 won to 100,000 won, and can be purchased through the Sejong Center's website and various reservations.

Here are some video clips:

1. Tradition & Matchmaker: https://youtu.be/Q08PQcgFv0g
2. Sunrise Sunset & Wedding: https://youtu.be/It_RzAnVmfs
3. Breaking Traditions & Far from the Home I Love:  https://youtu.be/AGHB7p7RWg0