한일 연극교류의 현황과 전망: 2023년 일본 공연을 중심으로

Abstract

This paper explores the outlook of Korean-Japanese theater exchanges through an analysis of the introduction of Korean plays in Japan and the prospects for contemporary Japanese plays to be introduced in Korea. This research is based on field investigations of Korean-related plays and works by Japanese theater companies, interviews with theater experts, and participation in several performing arts festivals in Japan. Among the Koreanrelated performances that have already been performed in Korea are plays about historical figures, works dealing with the Great Kanto Earthquake, and a series of works addressing Korean social issues such as labor issues. In addition, plays dealing with the Zainichi issue and the North Korean issue have also premiered. Although not directly related to Korea, there have also been plays depicting social problems in Japan such as school violence and foreign workers; the general consensus is that these could easily be transposed to the Korean context. Performing arts festivals such as the Joban Line Performing Arts Festival 2023 and SCOT Summer Season 2023 offer opportunities to encourage cultural exchange in the performing arts and to revitalize local culture. However, differences in performance culture between Korea and Japan related to audience repertoire, government support policies, and regional theater appreciation activities must be included in considerations of cross-cultural theater exchange. This study offers ideas and insight for future theater exchanges to maximize respective strengths.