A play for the elderly has become a solution for a series of problems of the aged which occur as Korea is recently changing into an aging society. Old people are able to enjoy their renaissance by recharging their youth in thoughts and their confidence through the play acting. We met and heard from Kim Soo-hyeon, an arts educator of the play education for the elderly as well as a radio personality of Changwon Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation in charge of a program called ‘Agu-halmae’.

Art makes grandfathers and grandmothers smile

Artezine_I wonder what made you become an arts educator of the play education for the elderly.

Kim_I used to be a timid and introvert girl. I joined a play acting class at a catholic church when I was in the elementary school. While I received a big applause from the audience, I’ve got to know, ‘Wow, I can do something!’

I continued to attend play acting classes at the middle and high schools, and finally entered a troupe. I have been with the play for more than 20 years. I found that I can help others by using my talent, which was play acting. The Korea Arts and Culture Education Service created a section for the play education for the elderly as part of community arts education in 2005, and I began to work as an arts education since then. It makes me happy that I can have an affirmative influence on the life of the elderly, make them laugh, and encourage them to have their confidence by teaching them play acting.

Play education for regaining self-esteem

Artezine_Could you give an introduction regarding the play education program for the elderly?

Kim_I try to talk to the old people depending on the condition of their mind and body, and make them naturally harmonize with play acting through their favorite dance or songs, appropriate acting reflecting their body condition, and impromptu acting at the level of their eyes. I encourage them to have their confidence, and begin the play making program which will be performed on the stage. I try to let them make their story positive and optimistic rather than dark.

We as a group set the goal of the play together, share responsibilities, and make our real life happy and confident. The program is focused on the stage performance, which the elders regard as ‘The Real Play’.

Artezine_Do you have any memorable episode that happened while having the play class with the elders?

Kim_I cannot say there was a special episode, but every class was special and memorable to me because the class itself as well as the process of preparation for the performance were not easy at all. If you want me to give you an episode as an example, the elders say, ‘I can do any role’, but it is not true. They all really want to act an important role as a matter of fact. So some of them really happy about their roles, but those whose roles are less important complain like a little child. It makes me laugh. Then I quote them a famous line, “Though there might be an insignificant actor, there isn’t any insignificant role” in order to comfort them.

Communication between the generations via a common denominator, play acting

Artezine_When did you feel your job is worthwhile?

Kim_I was moved and felt as if I am a rich person when the elders said that they look forward to the play class a lot which opened once a week. Though we have a class once a week, it becomes an energizer for their life, and the accumulation results in a yearlong happiness to them. They take care of me just like my parents. I am very happy to share experiences with warm-hearted people through our common topic, the play acting.

Artezine_What are your future plans?

Kim_If it is possible, I wish to make a professional troupe for the elderly with them, invite other old ladies and gentlemen, and spend a enjoyable time together. In addition, I wish to make a village troupe with farmers personally so that we can prepare for a play in the evening after working at the farm during the day. It is my small wish to have a village troupe.

Everyone is destined to be old. I hope the elderly restore their youth and enjoy their life as a main character rather than spending the rest of their life in vain.

Written and Photographed by Kim In-soo (Correspondent in Gyeongnam)