As one of South Korea’s most acclaimed shows, Laundry has been lauded by critics as “the hope for original Korean musicals.” While a Chinese adaptation is set to premiere this summer, playwright and director Chu Min-ju is bringing the original to Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center from Jan 13-16.
Although Laundry has attracted over 500,000 viewers since its 2005 commercial premiere, the show remains an unheralded gem abroad.
The production is set in a dal dongnae – ‘moon village’ style compounds built on the mountains on the outskirts of Seoul during the 1950s by the city’s poor, where part-time workers, elderly residents and low-level businessmen converge.
The story centers around two unlikely neighbors – Na-yeong, a 27-year-old bookstore clerk from the East Coast town of Gangneung, and her neighbor Solongo, an immigrant worker from Mongolia. Despite their cultural differences, they bonded over their struggles in a new city.
“It stems from my own life experience,” Chu explains. “Students and immigrant workers rent rooftop houses because [they] are affordable.”
When the Daegu-born director and playwright went to study at Seoul’s Korea National University of Arts. The cosmopolitan nature of the country’s biggest city shook her fundamental understanding of her home country.
“We were taught that Korea is ethnically homogeneous, which is obviously not true,” Chu says. “Tourists and expats from all over the world with different cultural backgrounds are scattered across Seoul everyday, including my neighbor.”
The scene of when Na-yeong and Solongo first met on a rooftop, is a direct recreation of when Chu met her neighbor. She admits that their friendship inspired her to focus on illegal immigrant labor issues.
In addition to protesting against the deportation of illegal immigrants in 2003, Chu posted on an online forum asking about the reality of their lives. She quickly befriended a prompt replier whose experience inspired the character of Solongo.
Despite having no established reputation, Chu crafted her first musical production shortly after graduation. Laundry premiered in 2003 at her university where it was met with approval.
“People tend to get hurt – physically and mentally – in this fast shifting society. I hope my musical could mend those broken heart and bring them a sense of warmth,” Chu says.
She also hopes that Laundry presents another slice of Korean life that’s different from the glossier depictions in hit TV shows. The show is starting to generate buzz across Asia, and made its debut in Japan four years ago.
“It’s odd that we know all about life in New York and London, but understand so little about our neighbor[ing] countries,” Chu notes. “It’s a pity. So when I was invited to do a Chinese version of Laundry, I felt obliged.”
> Jan 13-16, 7.30pm (matinees available on Jan 16-17, 2pm), RMB280-580. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, tickets. See event listing.
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