‘Anna Karenina’ Still Resonates Today, Says Russian Director Alina Chebik
Creatrip Team
6 months ago
Alina Chebik, director of the musical adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, discussed the production during a visit to Seoul. First staged by Moscow Operetta Theatre in 2016, the musical became the first contemporary Russian musical to be licensed and performed abroad and had its Korean premiere in 2018. Chebik said she initially disliked Anna’s choices in the novel but grew to understand and sympathize with her while directing the show. The musical, now in its third Seoul season (performances Feb 17–23 and Mar 7–12 with four actresses alternating the title role), explores themes of personal happiness clashing with societal norms — a conflict Chebik argues remains relevant in the age of media, SNS (social networking service), and public shaming. She also addressed recent debate over casting: lead actress Ok Joo-hyun will perform 23 of 38 shows, while Lee Ji-hye and Kim So-hyang share the remainder; Chebik said scheduling decisions involve producers and rights holders and defended Ok’s suitability for the role.
