by Chong Zhihao and Zhao Jiayi
You have read about the interview which we had with the producer and cast of NANTA yesterday. Today, we will be bringing to you the interview which we had with the producer and cast of The Painters! A totally brand new production that would be here in Singapore for the first time (3 shows only!), here’s what you can look forward to during the shows!
The Painters: HERO
Producer: Mr Kyu Jeong
How did you conceive these unique show ideas?
For most people, art is regarded as a sophisticated hobby only to be enjoyed at an art museum or gallery. With this show, I was hoping to make art more accessible and more enjoyable to the public in general. Therefore, I conceptualised The Painters: HERO, to make ‘art’ interesting yet entertaining and fun. The idea slowly evolved and while there is no script, we’ve got a strong story going on which includes comedic moments so the audience goes away having a good time with art instead of being boggled by something they fail to understand or appreciate.
What are some of the challenges that you faced when putting the idea of The Painter together?
As the show presents the process of making art, all artworks should be able to be seen through the audience’s view. There were lots of limitation on choosing art mediums for the show, for example, liquid or powder will flow down the canvas if the art piece is standing. Video projection mapping is one of the sources to be used during the show, to cover up some limitation on canvas. However, it is still a concerning issue as I don’t want to lose the analogue aspect of the show. Therefore, one of the challenges was to find art mediums or techniques that audience can witness with their own eyes. Also, actors cannot help but have their back facing the audience while drawing during the show. If we put too much time in drawing, the audience will get bored easily. To solve the problem, we’ve put in elements of comedy and mime. Nonetheless, I would still like to think of ideas which actors can draw while facing the audience.
In your opinion, what is art?
According to the definition in the dictionary, art presents the beauty of space and visuals, but I would like to say that art is used to present the beauty of empathy and visuals. Art from The Painters: HERO gains true value when communication and empathy from the audience has been combined.
What are some distinctly Korean aspects of the show that you are proud of? Were you concerned that they might not be well-received by an international audience?There’s one scene in the show which dramatises the characteristics of Korean aspects which is drawn with full-speed, oriental techniques of drawing and completed with dynamic display. However, instead of just focusing on Korean heroes in the show, I created The Painters: HERO with superheroes from history, movies and cartoons that were popular worldwide and across all ages. Some of the superheroes featured are Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, Superman and Little Mermaid, whom everyone recognises and know at some point in their life. These are also big names who have and continue to influence pop culture and our world. It’s great that both the old and the young can enjoy the show!
In your opinion, what sets The Painters apart from non-verbal musicals, say Nanta?
Although The Painters: HERO and NANTA are both non-verbal musicals using comedic approach, they each have their own unique story and concept that focuses on different areas; The Painters: HERO on art and visual effects whilst NANTA focuses on music and cooking.
The Painters: HERO aims to connect with the audience not only through the entire process of art making, but also through watching their all-time favourite heroes come alive. Furthermore, The Painters: HERO features the latest modern art forms such as the exciting high technology 3D video projection mapping, being the first show in Korea that combines the actors and this unique technique together on stage.
What are your future plans for The Painters? How do you plan to develop them further?
We do plan to make another version of The Painters: HERO with fresh content and more exciting scenes to better relate to our audiences. In addition to the four drawing theatres that we have (three in Seoul and one in Jeju), we would like to open more theatres overseas in the near future.
Finally, what is your favourite piece of art?
Currently I’m into architecture. Architecture itself can be mysterious art pieces, but it also has powerful influences as it’s close to our daily life.
Among many architect, recently I’ve seen some Tadao Ando’s architecture built in Korea and had inner peace by looking at it. Beauty is easily seen through architecture in Korea, especially Jengdong-gil located near city hall, where you can see many architecture with history. Luckily, we’ve opened the 4th theatre at Jeongdong-gil, and when you walk along the street, you’ll be captured by the subtle feeling which transcends time and space which is the main reason for me to open the 4th theatre there.
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The Painters: HERO Cast (Chaplin Team)
Kwon Woo Ram
Hong Bo Ram
So Kwang Min
Kang Shin Koo
What motivated you to audition for the cast of The Painters?
Kwon Woo Ram: As an actor, I was eager to perform a show that can connect with anyone around the world. I was looking for unique shows and the perfect chance came when I saw ‘The Painters: HERO’.
Hong Bo Ram: When I was doing plays, I used to draw play posters by myself. At that time, I had huge interests in arts and non-verbal performances. Then came The Painters: HERO and here I am today.
So Kwang Min: I thought that it’s brand new idea to draw and perform at the same time and I used to like drawing since I was young so I wanted to give it a try.
Kang Shin Koo: One of the mime artists I know recommended The Painters: HERO audition to me. An art performance beyond language was the fascinating factor for me.
With none of the cast having any formal Art school training prior to this performance, was learning how to draw and paint in different styles while dancing a challenge?
Most of us have majored in acting, so drawing itself was the new task that we had to master. As drawing and painting while dancing is not even easy for art majors, we had to go through harsh training of putting art techniques and moves together. Enduring training period was the main challenge but we’ve all made it with our passion for the show.
In your opinion, which of the different art styles was the most challenging to learn?
Kwon Woo Ram: I think that dust drawing is the most challenging for me as it requires detailed touch but the art medium we use is hard to control.
Hong Bo Ram: Figure drawing is rather difficult as it could fail to have similarities between the drawing outcome and the actual figure itself.
So Kwang Min: I feel that anything that needs to be drawn within a short amount of time is quite challenging.
Kang Shin Koo: City landscape is the most challenging kind of painting for me.
Which art style used in the performance did you like the most?
Kwon Woo Ram: Although charcoal drawing is a monotone colour scheme, I love the process of drawing with it.
Hong Bo Ram: I love figure drawing as I am able to get the most satisfaction from expressing the figure’s characteristics.
So Kwang Min: I would say figure drawing as every element in this technique is interesting.
Kang Shin Koo: I have to agree with Bo Ram and Kwang Min that figure drawing is also my favourite and it intrigues me.
If you were tasked to create an art piece, which style would you use and why?
Kwon Woo Ram: I would like to draw in ink wash painting, which can highlight the Korean traditional beauty.
Hong Bo Ram: If there are traditional art techniques in Singapore, I’ll be willing to learn.
So Kwang Min: I’ll be using hologram which could combine both human and technology.
Kang Shin Koo: I would like to use pastel. We use charcoal for the show, but I would like to try out various colours with soft touch.
How does music, dance and art complement each other in this unique performance?
Simply imagine drawing something on paper while shaking slightly and listening to music. Basically, we’ve evolved from that idea adding more visualized moves. Come check out our performance live on stage to see how music, dance and art complement each other!
Given that the show is non-verbal, did you face any challenges while connecting to the audience or trying to communicate with the other actors?
Kwon Woo Ram: Communication is giving and taking back, but sometimes I get less feedback than I give. Whether it is a member or the audience, having less reaction than I expected is the challenge I face.
Hong Bo Ram: I feel like I become more honest about myself. The reason I’ve mentioned honesty is that ‘honesty’ plays important role in communication, so I believe that if I’m being honest, the other person will give me honest feedback as well.
So Kwang Min: As communicating with audience is rather impromptu, so there’s possibility of failure. However, I believe that’s also the fun part of the show.
Kang Shin Koo: Even though it’s non-verbal, we endlessly communicate with our moves and eye contact throughout the show. However, lack of concentration may lead to communication difficulties.
Are there any memorable moments you’ve had while preparing for the show?
Kwon Woo Ram: While I’m preparing for the upcoming Singapore tour, it reminds me of the first Singapore tour in 2011. I remember the passionate audience and can’t forget the cheering. With great memory of Singapore, I’m preparing my best for our upcoming tour.
Hong Bo Ram: Every moment is memorable for me, but for now, I’m really excited about preparing for my first Singapore tour.
So Kwang Min: This is more of a funny episode. In our show actors do all the preparation for art materials. When I was preparing for a show in Japan, a celebrity thought I was a staff from the show and got embarrassed later when we met each other at the finale stage.
Kang Shin Koo: Sharing visions of the show with team mates is a memorable moment for me. Talks we share every day at the dressing room about giving better performance for our audiences are memorable for me too..
Has the show inspired you to take up art as a hobby?
Kwon Woo Ram: Both art and acting requires observation skill. So while I’m doing the show, I started to observe objects and have developed a habit of doing so. From time to time, I sketch those characteristics after observation.
Hong Bo Ram: After being part of the show, I often give drawings as a present to people around me to show my care for them.
So Kwang Min: I love to draw with charcoal so whenever I get bored, I draw with charcoal.
Kang Shin Koo: I feel great seeing people happy when I present drawing as a gift.
What can audiences expect to see when watching The Painters: HERO?
Audiences can look forward to witnessing creative and unconventional painting techniques used in The Painters: HERO. With mind-blowing skills of live drawing with incredible visual effects filled with a witty blend of mime, the show promises non-stop action and excitement. The Painters: HERO embodies and shares the joy and awe-inspiring journey of creating works of art not only amongst themselves, but also together with the audience.
Are there any ‘must watch’ moments for the audience to look out for?
We would say that every moment in the show is a ‘must watch’ moment and you may miss out if you blink your eyes! We have also prepared a special exclusive segment just for our show in Singapore. Do look out for it in our show at Resorts World Theatre in June.
If you could bring back any of the superstars seen in the show in real life, who would it be and why?
Kwon Woo Ram: Bruce Lee. I’ve dreamt of learning Jeet Kune Do since I was a kid
Hong Bo Ram: Michael Jackson. I am very sad that I missed his live performance.
So Kwang Min: Michael Jackson. I would love to see king of pop in real life and I love his music as well.
Kang Shin Koo: Po from Kung Fu Panda. Panda is my favourite animal and I like Po’s character who has a warm heart and fulfilled his dream of becoming a Kung Fu master.
The Painters: HERO will be performing at Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore from 10-11 June 2016. For more information, please visit http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/hero0616.
