On July 21, a press call for the play 'Dead Poets Society' was held at NOL Theater in Daehangno, Seoul, where cast members demonstrated key scenes.
"Both Nolan and Keating are important. Their roles change depending on the situation and events," said director Jo Kwang-hwa. This statement may be hard for fans of the 1989 film adaptation to accept, as Keating, who taught freedom, is seen as a captain, while Principal Nolan, who emphasized discipline, symbolizes authority.
However, Jo does not divide the two characters into good and evil. He believes that everyone possesses both Keating's and Nolan's traits. He stated, "The essence of this work is to live your life by your own choices. It’s not about avoiding medicine or law; what matters is whether the path you take is your own choice."
The stage adaptation, based on the film, focuses on the iconic phrase 'Carpe Diem' and the fundamental questions the work raises. In a reality that pressures students toward exams and social success, teacher John Keating encourages students to write their own 'poetry' rather than conforming to others' expectations. In contrast, Principal Nolan prioritizes discipline and achievement, presenting admission to prestigious universities as the standard for a successful life.
Jo does not interpret their relationship as a simple conflict. He warns that while Keating tells students to 'live your life,' he does not mean to destroy it. "Schools symbolize oppression and discipline, but they also provide golden opportunities. It is because of principals like Nolan that many students can attend Ivy League schools, which is also a significant value," he explained.
He emphasized that both medicine and law, as well as dreams and romance, are important, but ultimately, what matters is whether one follows a path of their own choosing.
Jo also clarified that the work should not be read solely as a critique of South Korea's educational reality. He explained, "In schools, there are teachers and students, and in society, there are bosses and new employees. The military has seniors and juniors, and in life, there are those who have walked the path before us." He described the play as addressing universal relationships between people.
Park Ji-il, who plays both Principal Nolan and Neil's father, Perry, in a dual role, also finds the message of the play in human relationships. Both characters love their students and children but impose their beliefs about the right way to live onto them.
Park stated, "Their ways of loving lack compassion, dignity, and subjectivity. This work makes us reflect on how much we care for and respect those around us."
Rather than designing others' lives, the goal is to support them in finding their own paths. Cha In-pyo, who plays Keating in a triple cast, interprets Keating as someone who embodies this approach.
"Regardless of age, we all dream of change and want to break free from constraints. If we are alive, we all have such hopes. I aim to portray Keating as a colleague who reminds us that it is okay to have such hopes and that there are many frameworks in the world," he said.
The play will run until September 13 at NOL Theater in Daehangno.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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