Traditional opera 'The Story of Lee Nal-chi' to be staged at National Theater of Korea

When people hear the Korean name Lee Nal-chi, they often think of the alternative pop band that sang the hit “Tiger is Coming” (2020), but the name's origin goes back to an actual historical figure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Pansori (traditional narrative song) singer Lee Kwang-bok performs during a practice session for ″The Story of Lee Nal-chi″ at the National Theater of Korea in central Seoul on Oct. 31. [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]

When people hear the Korean name Lee Nal-chi, they often think of the alternative pop band that sang the hit “Tiger is Coming” (2020), but the name's origin goes back to an actual historical figure from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

It was the nickname of Lee Kyung-sook (1820-1892), who was regarded as one of Joseon’s eight great masters of pansori (traditional narrative song). Nal-chi, which means flying fish, became his stage name due to his nimble tightrope walking skills.

A changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) loosely based on Lee’s life story will debut at the National Theater of Korea’s Daloreum Theater in Jung District, central Seoul, on Nov. 14 and will run for about a week. Titled “The Story of Lee Nal-chi,” the production blends fact with fiction, as there are not many records about Lee’s life that remain to this day.

Lee’s role will be alternated by two sorikkun, or pansori singers, Lee Kwang-bok and Kim Su-in.

A teaser image for ″The Story of Lee Nal-chi.″ The role of the titular protangonist will be alternated by Lee Kwang-bok, right, and Kim Su-in. [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]

Lee Nal-chi is portrayed as a bold protagonist who defies the strict social class system that was prevalent during the Joseon era. Born a servant in an aristocrat’s home, he transforms from a tightrope walker to the greatest singer in the dynasty. Legend says that Lee could hit notes so flawlessly that even birds flocked to him if he chirped.

“The Story of Lee Nal-chi” has given some updates to pansori, which tends to be enigmatic and unfamiliar to the current generation, by making it less like a stern period piece. Though the characters will still wear hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and the plot will be set in Joseon, the script and song lyrics utilize modern colloquialisms, making them easier for the audience to understand.

“But that doesn’t mean we exaggerated his character or made the story seem awkward,” sorikkun Lee said in a press conference at the theater last week. “At times, the scenes are funny and lighthearted, and the show is basically a coming-of-age story about Lee.”

Pansori (traditional narrative song) singer Kim Su-in performs during a practice session for ″The Story of Lee Nal-chi″ at the National Theater of Korea in central Seoul on Oct. 31. [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]

At the same time, the show provides a versatile glimpse back at the entertainment scene of the late Joseon period, with actors and acrobats reenacting pungmulnori (traditional Korean percussion music and dance), pansori, tightrope walking and talchum (mask dance).

There is even a pansori sing-off, and it’s similar to a rap battle, according to producer Jung Jong-im.

It will be portrayed toward the end of the 100-minute show, in a scene when Lee sings with his mentor-turned-rival, and they take turns exchanging lines to the same beat.

“It’s not something that exists in traditional pansori, but we thought it would be interesting to add a ‘sound battle’ for the audience to enjoy pansori better,” he said.

A practice session for ″The Story of Lee Nal-chi″ at the National Theater of Korea in central Seoul on Oct. 31. [NATIONAL THEATER OF KOREA]

The performances take place from Nov. 14 to 21. There is no show on Nov. 18. Shows on Tuesday to Friday begin at 7:30 p.m., and weekend shows start at 3 p.m. After the Nov. 19 and 20 shows, the cast and production crew will have a public talk with the audience. Tickets range from 20,000 won ($14) to 50,000 won.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]