'Dead Poets Society' Cha In-pyo: "I have lived a good life, receiving far more love as a celebrity than I deserved for what I possess" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Cha In-pyo shared his own thoughts regarding 'Dead Poets Society'.

On the afternoon of the 11th, Cha In-pyo held an interview for the play 'Dead Poets Society' (hereinafter referred to as 'DPS') at NOL Theater in Daehak-ro and met with StarNews.

Cha In-pyo stated, "I have lived a good life, receiving far more love as a celebrity than I deserved for what I possess. As someone who has been so fortunate, I am participating in the theater stage somewhat late, but I have witnessed countless young people burning their youth by challenging theater and sweating it out. As someone who has benefited from popular culture, I wondered what I could do."

He added, "I have published five novels, and I also considered having them adapted into a work based on the original stories."

When asked about behind-the-scenes details of the preparation process, he said, "Many actors, including Yeon Jung-hoon and Oh Man-seok, were already cast earlier this year, and I received a casting offer in April. After accepting the offer, I learned that rehearsals would need to run for two months starting from mid-May. Rehearsals were held every day from Monday to Saturday, excluding Sundays, all day long. I hesitated before deciding to join, but when I arrived, I saw young friends who had come much earlier than me warming up and rehearsing. Watching them, I thought, 'I must not dampen their passion; I need to work hard.' Thus, I attended almost every rehearsal session, feeling stimulated by the experience."

The premiere of the play 'Dead Poets Society' is the first official licensed production in Korea based on the script by Tom Schulman, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay after its 1989 film release. Set in 1959 at Welton Academy, a prestigious boarding school in New England, USA, it tells the story of new English teacher John Keating and the boys who search for their identities amidst an exam-focused reality.

The original film achieved global success through director Peter Weir's profound direction and Robin Williams' acting, highlighting the tragedy of youth who are not respected as independent individuals under authoritarian educational systems and parental ambitions, thereby forming a deep resonance with audiences. This work is renowned for Keating's famous line to his students, "Carpe diem" (Seize the day), and the final scene where students defy the headmaster's oppression by standing on their desks and shouting, "O Captain! My Captain!"

In the play, the powerful performances of veteran actors blend seamlessly with the energy of newcomers. Cha In-pyo, Oh Man-seok, and Yeon Jung-hoon portray the teacher John Keating, who conveys independent thinking to students, leading the production with deep emotional acting. Alongside them, new actors Kim Rak-hyun, Lee Jae-hwan, Chan-hee (SF9) as Neil Perry, a boy resisting oppressive reality, and Kim Tae-gyun and Moon Sung-hyun as Todd Anderson depict an intimate bond between teacher and student on the live stage.

The play 'Dead Poets Society' will be performed from July 18 through September 13 at NOL Theater Daehak-ro Our Card Hall.

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*This content was translated by AI.