A Narrative Study on the Performance Activity Experience of Daehak-ro Theater Artist by Generation

Since the establishment of ‘Arko Arts Theater’ by the ARTS COUNCIL KOREA in 1981, the area around Dongsung-dong and Hyehwa-dong in Jongno-gu has been called ‘Daehak-ro’ and has become the center of the performing arts. However, there were not many studies that analyzed how Daehang-ro Theater Artist experienced and understood the policies implemented to revitalize the region and the changes in the commercial environment. With this awareness of the problem, this study tried to discuss the experience of theater activities of the Theater Artist staying in Daehang-ro while engaging in the theater culture of Daehang-ro as a narrative research methodology. As a result, first of all, the opportunity to enter and settle in Daehak-ro has changed over time from informal and unsystematic inflow through private networks to visible and systematic entry through official recruitment and platforms. Second, unlike the past when certain economic achievements followed the experience of revitalizing Daehak-ro, the current there is only the satisfaction of self-realization of Theater Artist, so the economic requirements as a job are ambiguous. Third, gentrification in cultural and commercial districts is a chronic phenomenon that has continued since the 1980s, and all research participants felt the problem of gentrification. Lastly, the factors of change in Daehak-ro could be summarized as migration through ‘leaving Daehak-ro’, securing a stage through the expansion of public theaters, and political rights as workers.