한·중 현대 실험극에 대한 비교 고찰 - 이근삼 『원고지』와 馬中駿 외 『屋外有熱流』를 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare early Korean and Chinese experimental theaters centered on “Manuscript Paper” and “A Warm Current Outside the House”. Experimental theater means exploring a new form of drama by rejecting the fixed form or content of the traditional realism theater. Korean modern experimental theaters appeared in earnest in the late 1950s and early 1960s, while Chinese counterparts appeared in the 1980s. Modern experimental theaters have shaken the status of traditional realism theaters by dominating the theater scene in Korea and China. In addition, it is meaningful in that the new theaters contributed to the modernization of plays in both countries. Lee Keun-sam's “Manuscript Paper” and “A Warm Current Outside the House” by Ma Zhongjun have drawn much attention as the best-known early works of modern Korean and Chinese experimental theaters. The two works explored the true values and meanings of life and criticized the absurdity of modern society on stage. Both works created the script through surrealism and symbolism techniques, which is different from traditional realism theatres. They also destroyed the concept of "the ones being viewed" and "the viewers" of traditional realism theaters and attempted to create interaction with the audiences. They also used various tools, such as sound and lighting, to show the audience a multi-dimensional, multi-directional, and complex stage. Overall, modern experimental theaters in Korea and China have combined the characteristics of various theatrical systems. The modern experimental play featured expressionism, absurdism, and epic drama. In addition, the theme and content of the play have focused more on humans themselves while moving away from a nation's predicament or a certain peoples' suffering. There are many things in common between Korea and China, but the differences are also clear. First, there is a time gap of 20 years between the two countries. This is the result of Korea's encounter with Western culture before China. Next, the modern Korean experimental drama completely broke down the traditional realism theater while modern experimental theaters in China are somewhat rooted in traditional realism; therefore traditional realism theaters cannot be forgotten overnight.