Director Jang Jin's ‘The Secret of Flowers’ has returned for its 10th anniversary performance.
On the afternoon of the 15th, a press conference for the play ‘The Secret of Flowers’ was held at the Artist's House in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Director Jang Jin, along with actors Park Sun-ok, Jung Young-joo, Jang Young-nam, Lee El, Jo Yeon-jin, Lee Yeon-hee, Ahn So-hee, Gong Seung-yeon, Kim Seul-ki, Park Ji-ye, Jo Jae-yoon, Kim Dae-ryeong, Choi Young-jun, Jung Seo-woo, and Jeon Yoon-min attended. Hwang Jung-min was absent due to personal reasons.
‘The Secret of Flowers’ is a comedy set in the small village of Villaperosa in northwestern Italy, where patriarchal husbands, who neglect household chores due to their obsession with soccer, suddenly disappear due to an accident, leading to a ridiculous situation where everyone must deceive each other for insurance money. It has returned with even stronger laughter to celebrate its 10th anniversary since its premiere in 2015.
Director Jang Jin stated, “Although my colleagues involved in ‘The Secret of Flowers’ say it’s the 10th anniversary, from the perspective of the creators, there is a burden to improve upon the trial and error from before and to make it much better and more enjoyable. I feel more pressure to create it well.” He added, “Even if it was successful before, it may not be this time. Believing in past successes seems like a dangerous thought. I want to erase past memories and create new laughter. I am approaching it with the same heart as the first time.”
Park Sun-ok, Hwang Jung-min, and Jung Young-joo have been cast as Sophia, the ‘big sister’ who leads the absurd plan to disguise herself as a husband and deceive everyone.
Jung Young-joo said, “I am the type who puts my life on the line for serious and intellectual roles, so this work is important to me. This is my first time doing comedy acting in a play. It’s overwhelming and burdensome, but I believe that once the performance starts, it will turn into happiness.”
She continued, “I think comedy acting is the most difficult. I know from experience that filling the stage with laughter is much harder than crying. To make the energy of comedy acting on stage not feel forced from beginning to end, sincerity must not be excluded. Otherwise, it will be exposed. I am very nervous as this is my first time in 30 years of stage experience, but I trust Director Jang Jin. Comedy is gradually disappearing, but if I can bring joy to the audience with the mindset of an actor taking on that role, I would dare to say that it would be a success.”
Jang Young-nam, Lee El, and Jo Yeon-jin will play the role of Jasmine, a heavy drinker who loves alcohol.
Jang Young-nam expressed, “I am happy to be doing a play with Director Jang Jin after a long time.” She added, “The character Jasmine is very tragic. She does not receive love from her husband. Director Jang Jin’s plays are seriously funny. If you try too hard to be funny, it can go wrong. I am approaching Jasmine in the same way. I sometimes think of Ophelia from ‘Hamlet.’ It’s a funny play, but I believe it’s not a play that is funny just for the sake of being funny, so I am trying to act with as much sincerity as possible.”
The role of Monica, a beauty with a major in acting from an arts school, will be played by Lee Yeon-hee, Ahn So-hee, and Gong Seung-yeon.
Lee Yeon-hee stated, “This is my first comeback work after giving birth. It is very meaningful. I am honored to join such a fun comedy play. I couldn’t refuse this project because of the wonderful actors I am working with. I will show a great performance through the play.” She added, “I didn’t expect to return so quickly. After this project came in, I couldn’t say no. It came at the right timing, and I couldn’t refuse.”
Ahn So-hee said, “This is my second stage after ‘Closer.’ I had such a great experience and fun on my first stage. I am very happy to be able to return to the stage with a play as my next project. I am looking forward to being on stage with a bright and collaborative work that is different from last time. I am preparing hard, so please look forward to it.”
Gong Seung-yeon mentioned, “This is my first challenge in theater. I am very excited and nervous. I am happy to meet such a great work, a good director, and wonderful seniors during this practice. I want to meet the audience soon. I will prepare well and show a good performance.” She added, “I am very scared and anxious since it’s my first challenge. I even had nightmares. But if I follow what my seniors do, they naturally guide me well. I am glad I did it. After this play, I am looking forward to the actor Gong Seung-yeon. I will show a good performance.”
The youngest among the four housewives, but a jack-of-all-trades who can fix anything, the role of Gina will be played by Kim Seul-ki and Park Ji-ye. The role of Carlo, a doctor from the insurance agency, will be played by Jo Jae-yoon, Kim Dae-ryeong, and Choi Young-jun. The role of Sandra, a nurse from the insurance agency, will be played by Jung Seo-woo and Jeon Yoon-min.
‘The Secret of Flowers’ will be performed from February 8 to February 11 at the Link Art Center's Bugs Hall.
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
