Creative Workshop, 2.28

[Performance Overview] The opera <2.28> is an original opera based on the February 28th Democratic Movement of 1960, Korea's first democratic uprising. Beginning with the present moment of a father lying in a hospital bed and his daughter, the work revives the courageous choices and solidarity of high school students in Daegu through music. This piece illuminates the beginning of democracy led by youth and questions the value of justice and freedom in our time through memories of the past. [Synopsis] Overture The February 28th Movement is presented with background visuals and musical performance. Act 1, Scene 1: A School in Daegu An elderly Minchul asks his daughter, now a choir conductor, to sing a song containing the meaning of February 28th and shares stories from the past. ※Father's Aria - A Day Not to be Forgotten Act 2, Scene 1: A School in February 1960 Orders from superiors to attend school on February 28th create confusion among students who become sacrifices of politics. The students rise in resistance. ※Lee Daewoo's Aria - Our Voice Act 2, Scene 2: February 27th, 1960 After school, Minchul and Younghee visit Daewoo's home where Daewoo drafts a declaration and shares plans for tomorrow. ※Trio of Minchul, Younghee, and Daewoo - Students' Resolve Act 2, Scene 3: February 28th, 1960 In the early morning, students walk with heavy steps toward school. ※Minchul's Aria - Mother Students begin classes and self-study, then gather in the schoolyard at noon. They recite the declaration. ※Lee Daewoo and An Younghee Chorus - A Million Students Students rush out into the streets. ※Chorus - The Path of Justice Police arrive and students are arrested. The remaining students pass through Banwoldang and rush toward the Provincial Government. The arrested Minchul is interrogated but does not waver in his conviction. ※Minchul and Chorus - Our Will is Our Own Act 3, Scene 1: Present Day Hospital in 2025 Father lies in a hospital bed having a nightmare, and his daughter visits. The daughter understands her father's heart and promises to sing a song containing the meaning of February 28th. ※Sincere Reconciliation Duet between Father and Daughter - We Can Feel It Act 4, Scene 1: February 28th, 1960 Students gather at the Provincial Government. By orders from superiors, detained students are released on probation. Minchul is also released and sings in the present space while his father watches from there. A meeting of past and present. ※Trio of Father, Daughter, and Minchul - A Day Not to be Forgotten Epilogue People from the past and people of the present come together in a grand chorus. ※Grand Chorus - 2.28