Korean 'Tempest' wins Herald Angels award at Edinburgh

A scene from "The Tempest" directed by Oh Tae-suk of Mohkwa Repertory Company / Courtesy of Korea Arts Management Service

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By Chung Ah-young

Mohkwa Repertory Company's "The Tempest" won the Herald Angels award given by the Herald, a British newspaper, during the Edinburgh Festival, according to the Korean Cultural Center U.K.

Directed by veteran theater director Oh Tae-suk and staged from Aug. 13 to 16 at the King's Theatre Edinburgh, Shakespeare's "The Tempest", is re-created in the 5th century Korea setting as a clever dramatic adaptation.

Inspired by a true story from the Korean Chronicles of the Three Kingdoms, Oh's stage blends aspects of historical and traditional Korean culture as well as folklore with Shakespearean fiction.

Unquestionably one of the most accomplished Korean playwrights and directors, Oh has written and directed over sixty works. He has led the Korean theatrical art scene by adopting traditional Korean sources and theatrical methods to create his own methodology of experimental and creative theatrical art. Oh has reinterpreted various theatrical elements besides Shakespeare, such as ancient Greek theatre art, Brecht, traditional Korean theater, and even traditional Asian theatrical elements, into a new artistic genre.

Recognized previously "The Tempest" was under the spotlight before going on stage at the festival for its unique interpretation. The Guardian and The Financial Times gave Oh's work four out of five stars.

The Angels has been awarded to the most extraordinary works participating in the international and fringe sectors during the festival every week since 1995.

The award ceremony will be held Saturday at the Edinburgh festival hall.

The festival has invited three Korean troupes to perform during the three-week event running until Sept. 4.