27 November 2013 – A Filipino-led musical play dealing with the challenges multiethnic children, primarily of Filipino-Korean descent, face in Korean public schools recently had its inaugural showing in central Seoul last week, the Philippine Embassy reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs on November 25.
The 55-minute multicultural musical “Suklay” (Comb), directed by Lorna de Mateo and composed by Gil Hizon, opened to theater audiences at Seoul Mullae Youth Center on November 14. The other Filipinos in the multinational production include assistant director Nash Ang and actress Glaiza Valdez.
“We feel it’s important to depict the different stories of migrant families so that we could help the development of a more global consciousness in Korean society as well as satisfying a growing curiosity toward Asian culture, especially among Korean children,” said Salad President Park Kyong-ju.
“Suklay”, which marks the directorial debut of Salad member Ms Mateo, is the third musical produced since 2011by Korea’s first multicultural theater, Salad, featuring the lives of migrant families in Korea. “Marina and Vijay”, which opened in November 2011, portrayed the initial rivalry and friendship between a Filipino girl and Nepali boy studying in a Korean school. “Secrets Inside the Mask”,which took the stage in November 2012, tells the story of a migrant Chinese child discovering his cultural identity while working in a restaurant. Mr. Hizon composed the music and songs for all three musicals.
“I believe ’Suklay’ is an important work for Salad in the group’s evolution as a theater production company,” said the Embassy’s multicultural officer, Second Secretary and Consul Aian Caringal, who saw the inaugural spectacle. “Before they had Korean directors in charge; it’s the first time for them to ask an immigrant artist to take creative control.”
After the inaugural showing, Salad is now in the process of visiting various elementary schools in Seoul and Gyeongi Province to perform this year’s play, “Suklay”, with the financial support of Shinhan Bank of Korea. END
