A Fleeting Happiness in the Midst of War, and a Life Shattered
How much of our humanity can we preserve in the face of war?
Winner of the 2024 Jakang Theater Festival Grand Prize
The story begins with a man and a woman who, as if by fate, find each other and build a small home together. Though modest and worn, it is their warmest sanctuary in the world. They craft furniture from discarded scraps, dreaming of a future together. But in an instant, a deafening explosion brings their home crashing down. Outside, the relentless sounds of tanks, soldiers' footsteps, and endless bombings fill the air. As they struggle desperately to survive, they are slowly consumed by the brutal reality of war, their humanity fading along with their hopes.
This play was inspired by a documentary. In one harrowing scene, a refugee father scavenges food for his family, only to unknowingly bring home poisoned supplies. As a result, his entire family perishes. The image was eerily reminiscent of cockroaches unknowingly consuming poisoned bait, helpless against their fate. It left a haunting realization—war has the power to strip people of their dignity, reducing them to mere expendable beings.
War crushes lives, erases identities, and renders existence meaningless. And yet, even in the bleakest of circumstances, the instinct to survive and the traces of hope endure. This play captures those desperate moments and poses a profound question to its audience: in the midst of destruction, what does it truly mean to be human?
Baewoochango is dedicated to creating original works, performing acclaimed translated plays, and exploring drama through physical language. Through these diverse creative activities, the company seeks to reflect the spirit of the times while fostering deep cultural and artistic connections with audiences.
Rather than adhering to a single theatrical style, Baewoochanggo collaborates with various directors to explore diverse theatrical languages, striving to establish its own unique theatrical aesthetics.
Building on these efforts, Baewoochanggo aims to expand the horizons of regional arts and culture, enrich the cultural experiences of citizens, and enhance their quality of life.