Sarangui Dalpaengi, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with hearing impairments, is set to premiere "Miro and the Blue Ear Story," the first original play by its "Dalggum Theater Troupe." Composed of hearing-impaired youth, the troupe will perform the play from July 31 to August 2 at CKL Stage in Jung-gu, Seoul. This moving production features both hearing-impaired young performers and professional actors, embarking on an emotional journey to explore the true meaning of "listening." Offered free of charge, the performance aims to provide a unique artistic experience that transcends the boundaries between those with and without disabilities, fostering universal understanding.
An Inspiring Stage Featuring Hearing-Impaired Youth and Professional Actors
Sarangui Dalpaengi, chaired by Lee Haeng-hee, has announced the premiere of "Miro and the Blue Ear Story," the first original play by its Dalggum Theater Troupe, comprising hearing-impaired youth. The performances will run from Friday, July 31, to Sunday, August 2, at CKL Stage in Jung-gu, Seoul. There will be three shows in total: July 31 at 7:30 PM, and August 1 and 2 at 2:00 PM. All seats are free, and citizens wishing to attend can apply through the Sarangui Dalpaengi website until Wednesday, July 22.
This original play brings together hearing-impaired youth performers and professional actors on one stage, delving deeply into the meaning of "listening" beyond mere sound perception. The story unfolds as a comet approaches Earth, filling the world with both anxiety and excitement. A girl named Miro, who uses a cochlear implant, discovers a signal in a cave and follows it, encountering a mysterious world where reality, past, memories, and stories intertwine.
"Miro and the Blue Ear Story" aims to deliver a heartwarming message to the audience through the tale of Bau, Taesu, and "Blue Ear," who hide in a cave to protect children from war. Through the narratives of Miro, a cochlear implant user, and Blue Ear, the play movingly conveys that true "listening" extends beyond recognizing sound to genuinely paying attention to the lives and hearts of others.
The Growth of Dalggum Theater Troupe and the Special Meaning of the Play
The name "Dalggum Theater Troupe" means "Snail's Dream" or "Dream Stage of Snails." It is the new name for the "Okttapbang Dalpaengi" theater group, which Sarangui Dalpaengi founded in 2022 to enhance the social skills and self-esteem of individuals with hearing impairments. Sarangui Dalpaengi has developed programs that not only involve performance activities but also support speech rehabilitation through vocalization, breathing, and acting education. Starting this year, the troupe is presenting its first original production under the name "Dalggum Theater Troupe," signifying an expanded vision and a new beginning.
The performance features nine hearing-impaired members—Kim Ye-rin, Kim Chan-sol, Park Seung-min, Park Seung-hye, Oh Ye-na, Lee Yoon-a, Jang Yoon-so, Choi Si-hyun, and Hong Su-min—alongside five adult actors: Kim Wan-su, Kim Jin-ho, Yoo Su-in, Ji Hye-yeon, and Choi Hye-su. After months of passionate rehearsal, this production, created by hearing-impaired youth, promises to be a meaningful occasion that breaks down barriers between those with and without disabilities, showcasing the true essence of collaborative performing arts.
Expanding Cultural Arts Participation and a Message of Support
Lee Haeng-hee, Chairman of Sarangui Dalpaengi, emphasized the significance of this performance, stating, "The Dalggum Theater Troupe is more than just creating a play; it's a stage where hearing-impaired children discover their voices and potential, and communicate with the world." Chairman Lee urged more people to experience the new meaning of "listening" through this performance and to warmly support the courageous endeavors of these hearing-impaired youth.
The quality of this performance has been enhanced by the support of various institutions dedicated to promoting cultural and artistic activities that deliver social value. Woori Financial Future Foundation and the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency are sponsors, while the Korea Creative Content Agency is providing venue support at CKL Stage. This collaborative effort highlights the warm societal embrace for the passionate dreams of hearing-impaired youth.
Sarangui Dalpaengi plans to continue collaborating with various organizations to expand cultural and artistic participation opportunities for hearing-impaired individuals and consistently present performance content that resonates with everyone. "Miro and the Blue Ear Story" is anticipated to be a significant first step in realizing this vision.
