From August 19th to October 12th, the licensed Korean production of the French one-man play On the Beat will once again be staged at Dongguk University’s Lee Hae-rang Arts Theater. This marks its return following the highly successful premiere in 2022 and an encore run in 2023, both of which received strong praise from audiences and critics alike. The play addresses themes of communication, isolation, and personal growth, using rhythm as a universal language that resonates with audiences. The upcoming season is regarded as the official revival, promising a richer and more polished production for the audience.
The original work has gained worldwide recognition and success
On the Beat was written and performed by the French actor and playwright Cédric Chapuis, whose storytelling blends humor, sensitivity, and rhythm in a unique way. Since its first performance in France in 2003, the play has been staged more than 1,000 times across multiple countries, attracting a total audience of around 300,000 people. The Korean production casts three actors, Yoon Na-moo, Kang Ki-doong, and Kang Seung-ho, to take turns in the role of Adrien, allowing each to bring a distinct interpretation of the character. While staying faithful to the original script, the production adds direction that emphasizes the emotional depth and musicality of the work to create a more intimate connection with Korean audiences.
The story of rhythm and connection that transcends words
At the center of the play is Adrien, a teenage boy on the autism spectrum who perceives the world differently from those around him. For Adrien, sounds in everyday life, whether the ticking of a broken clock or the soft static of an old LP record, are not mere noise but meaningful beats that help him make sense of the world. Struggling with verbal communication, he creates what he calls “ghost notes”and expresses himself through rhythms on his drums. The drum set, the only stage prop besides the actor, becomes his voice, his shield, and his bridge to human connection. This intimate focus on rhythm as both a form of art and a form of survival lends the performance a strong emotional resonance that strikes a deep chord with audiences.
The revival aims to enhance the artistic message and stagecraft
This new staging is not simply a repetition of past performances but a refined production that expands the boundaries of theatrical storytelling. The creative team shared that every actor portraying Adrien has undergone more than a year of professional drum training to perform live during the show. This combination of rapid dialogue, powerful drumming, and delicate emotional nuance is designed to immerse the audience in Adrien’s inner world.
Performances are scheduled for 8 P.M. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with weekend and public holiday shows at 2 P.M. and 6 P.M. Tickets can be reserved through the NOL ticketing website.
The revival of On the Beat carries an added layer of meaning for the university, as alumnus Yoon Na-moo will once again take the stage in the leading role. His participation not only strengthens the connection between the production and the campus but also offers inspiration to current students who aspire to careers in the performing arts.