Modern take on 'Macbeth' through sign language, pansori The National Theater of Korea is set to premiere a barrier-free adaptation of "Macbeth" that intertwines Korean sign language and pansori, a traditional Korean musical storytelling. The NTOK’s production is scheduled to be performed at the Daloreum Theater from June 13-16 before heading to France for a performance in July. The production brings six deaf actors playing the key characters in sign language, while four pansori singers narrate the drama on stage.
"Many people describe sign language as beautiful and warm," said director Kim Mi-ran. "I wanted to juxtapose this by presenting a work like 'Macbeth,' which is a cold and brutal story." The Shakespearean tragedy tells the story of the Scottish general Macbeth who, driven by a prophecy from three witches, murders the king to ascend the throne, only to spiral into madness and ruin.
Set against the backdrop of a modern Korean butcher's family at a funeral, the story shifts the original fight for the Scottish throne to a fatal conflict over inheritance. In particular, the Three Witches who hail Macbeth and predict his ascent to kingship, are transformed into a shaman who makes prophecies. Yet, the director noted the tragedy will stem from the intrinsic nature of the characters, particularly Macbeth, rather than from the supernatural.
The adaptation connects the play’s major monologues through 16 scenes, blending the visual performance of the deaf actors with the audi.