"Unlike Big Brother's coercive control methods, 'Big Mother' carries significant meaning in showing how algorithms can comfortably and warmly change and manipulate people's thoughts."
Lee Joon-woo, artistic director of the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre, explained his reasons for selecting the play "Big Mother" at a press conference held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on the 12th. This production marks his directorial debut since being appointed to lead the company late last year. Born in 1985, Lee drew attention as the youngest artistic director in the theater company's history.
"It's rare to find a play that combines both popular appeal and contemporary relevance, and 'Big Mother' happens to be exactly that kind of work," Lee said. "It's a story that shows how information can be manipulated and turned into power in the age of big data."
"Big Mother" is a thriller centered on journalists at "New York Investigation" fighting to expose a massive conspiracy. Written by French playwright Mélodie Music, the work garnered attention after receiving nominations in five categories at the Molière Awards, France's most prestigious theater honors. This marks the play's Korean premiere.
Actor Yoo Sung-joo, who plays the role of editorial director at New York Investigation, said the Korean premiere made the project "more attractive." Cho Han-chul, double-cast in the same role, described the script as "incredibly fresh," adding that "this is a play we absolutely need to stage right now."
Rapid pacing and frequent scene changes characterize the production. "With 58 scenes in total, we designed the stage to be as minimal as possible to allow for quick transitions," Lee explained. "As audiences follow the events, they'll be left with a bittersweet aftertaste at the end—which also connects to the work's central themes."
Lee, in his first year of a three-year term, also outlined his vision for the company. "Gwanghwamun, where the Sejong Center stands, is a symbolic public square," he said. "I want to create theater that captures the diverse voices of citizens in that space." As resident director of theater company Baeda, Lee earned recognition for both artistic merit and commercial success with works including "Red Fallen Leaves" and "The Story of Wang Seo-gae," winning prestigious theater awards.
"Big Mother" runs from May 30 to June 25 at Sejong Center's M Theater.
