A tale of ambition, betrayal, and tragedy from 15th-century Korea, 1457, The Boy at Rest is a powerful musical drama from the Poem and Star theatre company. It tells the true story of King Danjong, who ascended to the throne at the age of ten only to be usurped, exiled, and ultimately killed just a few years later. Performed entirely in Korean with clear English supertitles, this is a polished and poignant hour of historical theatre.
A Shakespearean Tragedy
The story feels almost Shakespearean in its construction. At the heart of the tragedy is the young king and his villainous uncle, the architect of his downfall. It’s a classic power struggle, and yet, the production grants the murderous uncle a sliver of sympathy. In a capital city fraught with tension and assassination attempts, the court simply couldn’t accommodate two kings and the factions that supported them. This isn’t to defend the indefensible, but to acknowledge a villain who isn’t painted in simple black and white.
Our guides through this murky political world are three goblin narrators. These spooky, mischievous figures pop up periodically to move the story along and comment on the baffling behaviour of humans. With their sharp observations on our species’ bloody ambition, you find yourself siding with them. As one of them notes how weird humans are, I found myself thinking, “You know what? I’m team Goblin.”
An Epic Hour
Condensing a national epic into a one-hour Fringe slot is a monumental task, but 1457, The Boy at Rest manages it with style. The show kicks off with a song and dance number that is distinctly and beautifully Korean, setting the tone for what is to follow. Visually, the show is a feast, with stunning traditional costumes that add to the historical authenticity and colour. The entire cast is strong, but the performance of the young Queen is a standout, her voice carrying the emotional weight of the story. There are “no weak links in this cast”.
Curiously, the show opens by establishing a set of symbols to tell the audience when to applaud, but these are never used. This feels like a remnant of a longer, perhaps more interactive production, trimmed for its festival run. While one or two songs might linger a moment too long, the hour is used incredibly effectively, drawing the audience into a story that has resonated through Korean history for 600 years.
Overall
This is an absolutely enjoyable and compelling production. While it may not have been my personal favourite of the Korean shows I’ve seen at the Fringe over the years, it is an incredibly well-executed piece of theatre. It delivers a powerful and polished slice of Korean history, brought to life by a superb cast, beautiful music, and a story that will stick with you long after you leave the theatre.
Review: 1457, The Boy at Rest
Summary
A visually stunning and emotionally resonant Korean musical that successfully condenses an epic historical tragedy into a powerful Fringe hour. While a protocol for audience interaction is oddly introduced and then abandoned, the performances are flawless, the costumes exquisite, and the goblin narrators a welcome, witty addition.
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