Veteran actor of 33 years Cha In-pyo has taken to the theater stage for the first time in his life.

Cha In-pyo made his stage debut through the play 'Dead Poets Society,' marking his first theater performance in 33 years since his debut. He was the last to be cast this past April and began full-scale rehearsals in mid-May.

The play 'Dead Poets Society' is based on the 1989 Academy Award-winning film of the same name for Best Original Screenplay. Set in 1959 at the prestigious American boarding school Welton Academy, it brings to the stage the story of the newly appointed literature teacher John Charles Keating and boys on a journey of self-discovery. It runs at NOL Theater Daehakro Woori Card Hall through September 13.

"Theater Debut, Thanks to My Colleagues"

Cha In-pyo observed up close the dedication of younger actors who commuted via public transportation from the outskirts of Seoul to attend rehearsals. He credited the colleagues with whom he endured grueling hours for enabling his debut as a theater actor.

Regarding the difference between theater acting and drama or film acting, he explained, "In theater, you repeat the same lines hundreds of times, and it's not about one person performing well — every actor must work together as a team in sync." He emphasized the appeal of ensemble work on stage, where actors exchange energy with one another, such as when lines don't immediately come to mind and another actor helps out with an ad-lib or feeds lines from behind.

Long Hesitation, and a New Challenge

Cha In-pyo had been receiving offers to appear in theater for a long time. However, he confessed that given the low compensation relative to the rehearsal period and his career as a mainstream celebrity, it had always been pushed down his list of priorities.

But as he grew older and began reducing his mainstream entertainment activities while taking on new endeavors such as writing novels, he felt there was no need to stay confined to one thing. He stated, "The joy gained from taking on new challenges is immense."

Meeting Teacher Keating at 21, and Again Approaching 60

Cha In-pyo recalled watching the film 'Dead Poets Society' at age 21 and receiving stimulation and questions about life. Now approaching 60, he said he has come to deeply realize how meaningful the questions posed by Keating were when he was in his early twenties, and how important they are to living life.

As for the difference between the Keating played by Robin Williams in the original film and his own portrayal, he explained, "The Keating in the film is in his early thirties, a character who lives the life he believes in," noting that his own version — an 'older Keating' — stands apart by being able to present a wider range of life choices and perspectives.

Concerns About the Industry's Reality

When asked why drama and film actors have recently been taking on theater, Cha In-pyo cited the decrease in the number of productions leaving actors with free time, as well as the increase in theater productions. Oh Man-seok also conveyed his hope that "Daehakro will once again be as bustling as it used to be."

Cha In-pyo shared that unlike himself, who received many gifts and flower bouquets from fans and acquaintances after performances, he felt apologetic seeing his fellow actors who built the stage together go home empty-handed. He revealed that he is thinking about ways to change the reality where the spotlight is focused only on the actors who rehearsed together for two months.

Finally, he said, "Seeing young actors in Daehakro burning through today with no thought of tomorrow has made me seriously consider what kind of opportunities I could create for young people doing theater." He added that he would also love to experience the joy of seeing one of the five novels he has written someday become the source material for a play.