Review: OSLO at Myeongdong Arts Theater

Two phones and two people. Tension is all you can feel, in a complete silence, suddenly the phone rings. After checking their watches, they grab the phone with hesitation, "Hello?" With that, the house light dims and the show begins. OSLO, winner of many awards, including the Best Play at the 71st TONY awards had its first non-English performance on October 12th at Myeongdong Arts Theater in Seoul, Korea.

OSLO written by J.T. Rogers originated when the playwright met Norwegian diplomat, Terje Rød-Larsen. He learns about the effort of two diplomats from Oslo who developed secretive channel communication in the 1990s, negotiating between Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). These negotiations later became what is commonly known as the Oslo Accords. As it deals with a historic event and a controversy between two groups that have been in hostile relationships for so many years, the play itself is filled with historical facts. For people who are not familiar with the historical background of the controversy between Israel and PLO, I recommend reading the program before seeing the show.

The setting of OSLO was interesting in that they used minimal devices to create a maximum effect. One thing that was noticeable was the white walls. During the show, videos and lights were constantly shown on the white screens giving a vivid image. However, regardless of that main reason, it felt like the white color represented the peace that both opposing sides all wanted. Though the stage was not big, by changing the locations of the walls and getting rid of props once they were used, the stage felt large and more refreshing to see because there were few things happening on stage.

Lights played an important role in this show. They were used to not only shine on the actors but to form a unique atmosphere by using different colors. One of the most remarkable scenes were when they used two spotlights in a dark background, shining on two actors who were portraying each an Israeli girl and a PLO young soldier who was pointing his gun toward her. Though it was a short scene, the image made by the contrast between the bright lights and dark background, the harsh breathing of the young soldier and the trembling hands of the girl was so strong that the emotions and thick silence lingered on me through the entire show.

All the actors were amazing in this show but what really stood out were the female characters. When it comes to so-called "important events," females were not much mentioned as their male counterparts. However, OSLO shows the female characters upfront, especially the role of Mona. It could be said that the story of OSLO cannot proceed without her. Mona is a strong female character who plays the most important role in the Oslo Accords. Not only that, unlike her husband who has full certainty about his belief in the Oslo Accords, Mona is the realistic one who keeps rethinking and asking if they are doing the right thing. In that sense, it felt like Mona was the character who was maintaining balance within the show.

The ending of the show was interesting in that, it ended with a question. This gave a rather concise conclusion to the show and a chance for the audience to think about the answer rather than relying on the actor's words. Also, during the curtain call, each actor turned around and gave facts about what happened after the Oslo Accords. Though it was a short moment, as an audience member, it felt like it was the most perfect way of ending the play.

As Korean dramaturg of OSLO, Mansoo Cho mentions in the program book, OSLO has a great significance of performing in Korea in the year 2018. 75 years, it took 75 years for North Korea and South Korea to make a change, to step forward toward peace. Though it is true that, nothing has been entirely solved between the two Koreas, we have made much progress in 2018. Watching OSLO, seeing how two opposing sides constantly fight over important matters and learning about the historical facts of Israel and PLO, made me realize that what the Koreas are doing, the steps that we are taking is not only a huge development in our relationships but an important event in the worldwide terms.

OSLO performs at the Myeondong Arts Theater until November 4th. Tickets start at 20,000 KRW and can be purchased either online or at the ticket box. For more information please visit www.interparkglobal.com.

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