Musical 'Sisyphus' Returns After One Year, Unveiling a Masterpiece of Four Distinct Emotions

The creative musical 'Sisyphus,' hailed as a new masterpiece of 2024, is making its return to the stage after a year.

While its adaptation of Albert Camus's novel 'The Stranger' garners attention, the complex narratives delivered by each character are expected to deeply resonate with the audience.

'Sisyphus' blends the Greek myth of Sisyphus with musical elements. It portrays four actors abandoned in a ruined world, passionately expressing their desire for a dramatic life through powerful performances. The production proved its potential by winning three awards at the '18th Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF)': Best Creative Musical, A-Song Creator Award, and Best Supporting Actress, and it continues to meet audiences for the second consecutive year.

'Sisyphus' organically weaves together the life of Sisyphus, who repeats endless labor, with the lives of actors. While utilizing 'The Stranger' as source material, it lessens the philosophical weight and instead imbues the work with its unique character and wit, completing a journey of anguish and resolution among its characters.

'Sisyphus' features four characters: 'Unknown,' the one who bears anguish; 'Poet,' the one who sings poetry; 'Clown,' the one who sublates sorrow; and 'Astro,' the one who gazes at the stars. The actors, left in a devastated city, portray their roles on stage with four distinct emotions, heightening audience immersion.

At the press call held on the 15th, actors Jo Hwan-ji, Yoon Ji-woo, Im Kang-sung, and Lee Huru-rim introduced the charms of their respective characters. Jo Hwan-ji, playing 'Unknown,' explained, 'It's a role that suffers and agonizes over the absurd world, standing at the center of all events and leading the play.' Yoon Ji-woo, as 'Poet,' emphasized, 'As a poet and an actor, it's a role that expresses emotions and words through inspiration.' Regarding her gender-free casting as 'Remond,' she added, 'It's possible because on stage, acting is not bound by gender.' Im Kang-sung, portraying 'Clown,' stated, 'Despite a cool and pessimistic appearance, he has a passionate heart.' Lee Huru-rim, as 'Astro,' expressed his intent to portray 'the passion, freshness, and innocence of a rookie actor who dreams like a shining star.'

'Sisyphus,' conveying a message of hope amidst a ruined world, will be performed from the 16th until March 8th of next year at Yes24 Stage, Hall 2.

Korean netizens reacted positively to the news of 'Sisyphus' returning, with comments like "Finally, it's back! I loved it last year," and "Looking forward to the actors' performances this season too." Many expressed anticipation, stating, "The return of a masterpiece, you'll regret it if you miss it."