I Will Live As An Actor - Chapter 83
I Will Live as an Actor Episode 83
Acting close to the audience is completely different from regular broadcast filming. Numerous eyes witness the actor’s lines, gestures, and even the smallest actions.
Moreover, since they have to run non-stop without even mentioning the word reshoot, the word that usually comes to mind for new actors when they first stand on stage is ‘drawing paper.’ People often say that the sight before their eyes becomes white, but according to those who have experienced it, it is not an exaggeration but closer to reality. Just like now.
‘He’s shaking right now.’
The first to notice Yeon-soo’s trembling was Lee Chang-hoon, the director of the role of Kim Sang-ok. This is an opportunity to introduce Kang Hee-su (Yeonsu), an independence fighter from Shinheung Military Academy who came from Manchuria.
“This is Kang Hee-su, the most famous female independence fighter at Shinheung Military Academy. In this operation, she will directly infiltrate the enemy lines and carry out the operation. From now on, she will be with our Gyeongseong Uiyeoldan, going through hardships and going through life and death, so let’s get to know each other and exchange greetings. .”
“Captain, isn’t the location of this operation the Gyeongseong Hall banquet hall? It would be difficult to get in if your identity is not clear.”
“Don’t worry about that. Kang Hee-su is the adopted daughter of Jocheon Gamdaek, who came from Miryang. Looking at her long braided hair, skin as white as jade, and her beautiful jeogori, who would think that this woman is a member of the Uiyeoldan. Isn’t that so, Hee-su? ?”
It is a conversation that takes place in the ceremonial hall, which can be said to be a gathering place for members of the Uiyeoldan. The actors chatted and now it was Kang Hee-soo’s turn. But Kang Hee-soo doesn’t move his mouth. There is a clear look of nervousness on the actors’ faces. Although it may not be visible to the audience, Kang Hee-soo in front of them was slightly trembling with her fingertips.
‘Did I forget my lines?’
Lee Chang-hoon blames himself internally. In fact, it is true that as the leader, he could not pay attention to Yeonsu. An ordinary new actor would not be able to avoid being nervous on such a grand stage. If things continued like this, it would only be a matter of time before the audience noticed something strange. That moment when all the actors were nervous.
“Hey, I knew this would happen.”
A man enters the room where the Uiyeoldan group is gathered. This is Baek Mu-yeol, who is often referred to as a modern boy. He takes off his fedora and walks naturally. The actors looked dumbfounded looking at that scene. It’s not acting. It was because it wasn’t really a place where Baek Mu-yeol appeared. Baek Moo-yeol elaborates while looking at Kim Sang-ok sitting at the head table.
“Brother, how can you not call me on a day like today? It’s a shame. I’m the one who runs this art center. Let’s take a look. I heard there’s a new recruit from Manchuria today.”
Baek Moo-yeol opens his eyes wide when he sees Kang Hee-soo sitting next to Kim Sang-ok.
“That friend?”
“Why are you surprised that she’s so beautiful?”
“Well, that’s not wrong, but it’s because I saw it near my Gyeongseong Hall. He stared at my face so intently as I was walking with Misaki. I couldn’t forget that disdainful look. But I doubt it was the same. “I didn’t know you were a comrade. Nice to meet you. I am Baek Mu-yeol, Joseon’s greatest paratrooper, who can be said to be the sign and face of the Gyeongseong Uiyeoldan members.”
Baek Mu-yeol smiles and offers Kang Hee-su a handshake. Kang Hee-soo is still frozen. However, the appearance gives off a natural look, as if Baek Mu-yeol does not like him. In the end, when Kang Hee-soo did not accept the greeting, Baek Moo-yeol asked with a hesitant expression.
“Is that woman mute?”
* * *
‘You’re welcome.’
Behind the stage, playwright Jeong Yong-dae has a serious expression on his face. Sweat runs down his spine as he watches the stage situation without missing a single moment. Actually, I didn’t like Yeonsu’s acting that much from the beginning of the performance. It wasn’t at this level when the run-through was held, but perhaps it was because it was a large stage with a large audience.
‘I started shaking my lines and now I’m forgetting them.’
Theater staging is different from drama filming. In a situation where everything about the actor was shown without a trace, Yeonsu’s acting was not so good that it could be considered a failing grade as a theater actor. Watching England’s performance, I could see that having too high expectations was also a problem. Originally, it was rare to hire a new actor who had never appeared on a theater stage as the lead role.
“The play has been slightly modified. Do you mind?”
Stage director Seong Ji-hoon approaches and asks Jeong Yong-dae. Jeong Yong-dae nods briefly. Wasn’t it a blessing in disguise? Look at the stage. Even actor Lee Chang-hoon, who is said to have had a difficult time in the theater, has his back covered in sweat. This meant that the situation was urgent.
‘I almost ruined the play.’
The moment the frozen Yeonsu hesitated, everyone closed their eyes and prayed about what would happen next. Please get over safely. But despite her prayers, Yeonsu even forgot her lines. In such a situation, the experienced Lee Chang-hoon and the actors tried to overcome the situation somehow, but there was nothing they could do, so it could be seen as a complete failure. at that time.
-I will appear now.
A word was suddenly heard. It was England, preparing for the next act behind the scenes. Before he knew it, he was fully dressed and spoke with a confident voice.
Just when even playwright Jeong Yong-dae doesn’t know what to do, England realizes the urgency of the situation and goes up on stage. Jeong Yong-dae and Seong Ji-hoon, who were sitting behind the stage, watch the scene carefully. How on earth are we going to overcome that impasse?
However, England ad-libs as if they were prepared. Very naturally. Actor Lee Chang-hoon, who was initially taken aback by the sudden appearance of England, soon grasped the mood and naturally responded with an ad-lib.
* * *
There is a cold atmosphere behind the stage during the interlude where the stage composition is briefly readjusted. All of the actors who came down from the stage looked perplexed. However, Yeonsu appears gloomy with her head down.
But no one has anything to say to Yeonsu. Just because you recruit right away will not improve your acting skills, and even more so, mistakes may be repeated.
“Hurry up and train.”
It’s time to change your clothes and makeup. During the short period of time that sets up the stage, the actors have to move constantly even behind the stage. As England picks up Yeonsu, she comes to her senses, bites her lip, and goes straight to the wardrobe where she changes clothes.
“Thank you, England.”
Director Lee Chang-hoon approaches England and speaks to him.
“No, I was glad that you accepted it well.”
Director Lee Chang-hoon looks at England with a curious expression. There are many new actors in the world, but I wonder if there are any who are as good at improvisation as England.
While performing run-throughs over the past month, I have occasionally seen him ad-lib to the other actor’s mistakes, but I had no idea that he would perform so skillfully in a live performance like today. After all, isn’t there a joke that says that you have to spend at least ten years in theater to become good at it?
“We must not make any mistakes until the remaining plays…”
Director Lee Chang-hoon looks worried. The UK also thinks the same way. The more beginners you are on stage, the more mistakes you make. Moreover, it would be a lie if I said I wasn’t nervous because it was a stage with such a large audience.
Soon, with the signal that the stage is ready, the actors prepare to go on stage. Young-Kuk approaches Yeon-soo, who is nervous, and speaks to her.
“After training, if you can’t remember your lines or think you’ll make a mistake, just ad-lib like I did before. Anything is okay.”
Yeonsu looks determined as if she will never make another mistake. But still, I shake my hands slightly as if I’m nervous. England holds Yeonsu’s hand and explains further.
“I will accept everything.”
* * *
Gyeongseong Hall.
The stage is now a banquet hall. A lot of people are filling the stage. Most of them are dressed in Western-style clothes or kimonos. Baek Moo-yeol escorts Kang Hee-soo and explains more.
“You are a country bumpkin from Miryang. Your adoptive father, who wanted to expand his business under Japan’s rule, encouraged you to come to Gyeongseong and join a social club. So, you kept your gaze as far away as possible and occasionally gave a condescending smile. Please show me too.”
Baek Mu-yeol is a Parakho who is said to be one of the best in Gyeongseong. Could he miss a social gathering? Moreover, it is a place where the children of high-ranking officials of the Japanese Government-General of Korea gathered in Gyeongseong. Kang Hee-soo enters Gyeongseong Hall, escorted by Baek Moo-yeol. She had a pistol hidden in her wide skirt.
“I heard you have a fiancée. Does anyone think it’s strange if you go to a social gathering with a woman you don’t know?”
Baek Mu-yeol calmly answers Kang Hee-soo’s question.
“For no reason, I am the best Parakho in Joseon. Just like you said, even Japanese women will think that I am a dog in heat when they touch me. I am a child given away by my family, and the Japanese like to do whatever they want, so is there any other Parakho like me?”
“Aren’t you afraid of what other people think?”
Kang Hee-soo asks in a low voice. It started out as a misunderstanding. When you saw him walking affectionately with a Japanese woman on the streets of Gyeongseong, didn’t you think he was just a Japanese dog?
However, when he thinks that all of this was his actions as a member of the Uiyeoldan, he feels rather embarrassed. It reminded us that the independence movement is not just about fighting with guns and swords. At that moment, Baek Mu-yeol smiles faintly.
“No matter how much my name falls to the ground and rolls around in the mud, even if I get pelted with stones by the Koreans. If spring can come again only to Joseon, then what would I be afraid of? Now that the story has been long, let’s get into the strategy.”
“Someone is a raccoon?”
While many people are enjoying the banquet, Kang Hee-soo carefully asks Baek Mu-yeol. Raccoon is a slang term for an assassination target. Baek Mu-yeol points to a man with his eyes.
“It is the author. According to the documents we obtained, the author is the man who manages secret agents in Gyeongseong. Even in the Government General, except for high-ranking officials, his identity is unknown, so it was not difficult to find out. “Turn around is our main task today. However, guns are prohibited. Unfortunately, we will not be able to use the guns on our legs. Since there are police officers under the Government General stationed there.”
“How do you plan to steal it without using a gun?”
“That is what you will do from now on. It seems like you have a very useful face. Don’t you know that?”
The situation progresses smoothly. Just as Baek Moo-yeol said, Kang Hee-soo easily lures the raccoon and lures him into a warehouse set up in one corner of the hall.
Baek Mu-yeol, who had been hiding beforehand, stuns the raccoon and hides him in a wooden chest. Now all that was left to do was for the members of the Uiyeoldan disguised as warehouse keepers to move the chest and the two could leisurely leave the banquet hall. But at that moment.
-There is no place like this to enjoy a secret relationship.
-No, where are you going?
-Well, I told you to come here. Because no one sees here.
The door opened with the sound of whispering outside the warehouse. Baek Mu-yeol and Kang Hee-su are both embarrassed with their eyes wide open. I didn’t know that someone would come to the warehouse where there were no people.
The script clearly states that the two people are hugging and avoiding the gaze of incoming people. A scene where a couple of lovers who came to enjoy a secret meeting encounter a couple who are already enjoying a secret relationship. But what happens?
‘oh.’
Kang Hee-soo loses his footing and falls forward. This is a clear mistake that is not in the script. But then Baek Mu-yeol supports Kang Hee-soo, who is collapsing, with his whole body, and the two naturally overlap on the warehouse floor.
The moment Baek Mu-yeol’s sturdy shoulders cover Kang Hee-soo’s face, those who had not entered the room were startled by the sight and closed the door again. Of course, the audience sitting in the audience was equally surprised.