[INTERVIEW] Solar shines brighter in her second run in ‚Mata Hari‘

Photo voltaic, a member of Okay-pop woman group MAMAMOO, performs as Mata Hari, a protagonist of the Korean musical „Mata Hari.“ Courtesy of EMK Musical Firm

Photo voltaic, a decade into her Okay-pop profession, is taking over a contemporary problem within the type of musical theater. As she reprises the title position within the Korean musical „Mata Hari,“ the MAMAMOO vocalist shared how this enterprise has each challenged her and spurred private {and professional} development.

Photo voltaic, 33, debuted in 2014 as a part of the Okay-pop woman group MAMAMOO alongside bandmates Hwasa, Wheein and Moonbyul, with the group rising to prompt stardom for its highly effective vocal performances.

However for Photo voltaic, moving into musical theater was a wholly new problem.

First becoming a member of „Mata Hari“ throughout its 2022 run, produced by EMK Musical Firm, Photo voltaic has since been working tirelessly to determine herself as a musical actor.

„Mata Hari,“ written by Ivan Menchell and composed by Frank Wildhorn, is a musical impressed by the true story of the famed dancer-turned-spy who was executed throughout World Conflict I. Within the present, Photo voltaic performs the enigmatic Mata Hari, a performer who captivates the viewers together with her sensual dances whereas concealing the non-public scars of her previous.

Talking with The Korea Instances at EMK’s headquarters in Seoul’s Gangnam District on Monday, Photo voltaic stated she feels a private connection to the character.

Photo voltaic performs Mata Hari in a scene from the musical „Mata Hari.“ The singer-turned-actor stated she feels a private connection to her character. Courtesy of EMK Musical Firm

„On stage, Mata Hari is a mesmerizing determine, however offstage, she’s tender and shy. That is how I imagined her,“ the singer stated.

„She was stated to have staged groundbreaking performances for her time — one thing nobody else had dared to do … I additionally get pleasure from attempting out new issues, even when they appear eccentric or unconventional and even when I face criticism for it. That is a technique I really feel linked to her.“

Photo voltaic’s musical theater debut in 2022 obtained blended evaluations. Whereas her vocal abilities, honed throughout her years with MAMAMOO, had been broadly acknowledged, critics famous that she lacked a commanding stage presence and performing finesse.

„I did my greatest in the course of the 2022 run, however I obtained suggestions stating areas for enchancment. I took these critiques positively and labored arduous to handle them,“ Photo voltaic stated.

„Again then, I used to be simply targeted on getting all the things proper — delivering each line and transfer as rehearsed. This time, I really feel extra comfortable and might discover feelings, performing and singing in several methods, letting the story information me.“

A scene from the musical „Mata Hari“ / Courtesy of EMK Musical Firm

For Photo voltaic, delving into theatrical performing has been an exhilarating journey.

„At first, embodying another person’s life felt unnatural. However as I dug deeper into Mata Hari’s character, I began to really feel like I had grow to be her, which was thrilling. Dancing as Mata Hari on stage feels utterly totally different from dancing as Photo voltaic,“ she stated.

The singer stated she is studying to adapt her vocal methods to satisfy the requirements of musical theater.

„As a singer, I’ve all the time used delicate microphones, like handheld mics or studio mics, which swimsuit a selected vocal type,“ she stated. „However in musicals, that you must undertaking to the viewers. Throughout my earlier stint in 2022, some stated my singing on stage felt like Photo voltaic was singing, not Mata Hari.“

„That suggestions, although vital, helped me enhance. I’ve since been receiving vocal teaching to regulate my supply.“

She added that her work in musical theater has additionally strengthened her abilities as a singer.

„After performing in musicals, I’ve observed my respiratory and vocal stability have improved after I sing pop songs.“

Photo voltaic of MAMAMOO stated dancing as Mata Hari within the musical feels utterly totally different from dancing as Photo voltaic. Courtesy of EMK Musical Firm

Describing herself as somebody who thrives on challenges, the singer expressed that reprising her position in „Mata Hari“ is a part of her broader effort to evolve as an artist.

„After I launched my solo album, I shaved my head and even tried straight brows — issues that made folks surprise why I would do such issues. However I do not remorse these selections. They had been worthwhile experiences and good reminiscences,“ Photo voltaic stated.

„Proper now, I am working towards changing into a elegant musical actor. I wish to earn the belief of musical followers, making them name me an ‚actor price watching.‘ I am decided to achieve that stage.“

„Mata Hari“ runs by March 2 on the LG Arts Middle in western Seoul.