Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
Cast: Yang Hee Jun, Kim Soo Ha, Lim Hyun Su, Lee Kyung Soo, Hwang Sung Jae, Jung Sun Gi, Jung A Young, Choi Il Woo, Oh Seung Hyun, Kim Jae Hyung, Noh Hyun Chang, Ryoo Ha Ryun, An Ye Bin, Lee Seo Young, Kim Eun Ae and Byun Jae Jun
Step into an imagined Joseon Dynasty where the poetry of Sijo which defines the nation has been banned; the once-celebrated Sijo performers have been silenced, stripped of freedom and hope. In this world of silenced voices and crushed dreams, a masked rebel group known as the Golbin Gang dares to defy the regime. Disguised and determined, they take the stage, channelling their voices to challenge the corrupt. But danger looms and will Hong-guk, the king’s shadow official and Head of Sijo, snuff out their spark before it ignites a revolution.
There has never been a more apt time for the South Korean musical sensation, Swag Age, to make its premiere in London's West End. For one night only, it electrified audiences with its empowering tale of oppression, revolution and the reminder that a "feeble cry can change the world". While the evening was pitched as a concert, it felt as though it could transfer to the West End tomorrow with little to no amendments; it was polished to perfection, sharp and most importantly, inspiring.
The story is set during the Joseon Dynasty at a time when Sijo is banned (a traditional Korean poetic form, comparable to Shakespeare's sonnets; a form that has evolved through time and can be recited through rhythm or song). A masked group; the Golbin Gang, are ready to rise up against their oppressors and bring back Sijo to Joseon. With a powerful book and lyrics by Chan-Min Park, and awe-inspiring music and lyrics by Jeong-Yeon Lee, it's difficult not to leave the production with a newfound fire in your heart.
As someone who's been learning Korean for the past nine months, it truly felt as though I had a much deeper connection to the story as I didn't have to rely on the use of the subtitles throughout the production. However, with screens either side of the stage displaying large subtitles, I'm certain it wouldn't have taken much away from the story itself.
Swag Age feels like a perfect fusion of keeping Korean tradition at its heart, but also embracing what makes musicals popular today. For example, some of the music itself is almost pop/hip-hop and some of the choreography, particularly during the second act is heavily reminiscent of K-pop. Choreographer Kim Eun Chong does an incredible job of blending traditional and modern dance; with most ensemble dance numbers rivalling any show currently running in the West End.
Yang Hee Jun oozes with charisma as Dan and despite his foolish character traits, it's hard not to fall in love with his overpowering need to be a better person as his character arc progresses throughout the piece. He also happens to have one of most clear and technically beautiful voices I've ever witnessed; in Korean or any other language.
It really is difficult to pinpoint specific cast members as this really does feel like an ensemble piece whereby it simply wouldn't work, or have the affect that it does without every single person on that stage. However, other notable performances come from Kim Soo Ha as Jin, Lim Hyun Su as Hongguk and Oh Seung Hyun as Jono.
A production that I truly hope we haven't we seen the last of in the West End. At a time where staying silent can be just as loud as voicing your opinion, Swag Age is incredibly moving and highlights the importance of speaking out against oppression. Powerful, unexpectedly funny, and will leave you feeling inspired!
You can find out more about Swag Age, here.
**photo credit: PL Entertainment**
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