Andrew Taylor on the Business of Arts & Culture
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Being really, really, really committed to the art
Posted: April 4, 2006
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News has been bumping around the web about playwright and director Jung Sung Sanabout, and his new musical exploring North Korean prison camps (listen to the NPR story here). Preparing for the controversial show's premiere in South Korea, Jung ran into some serious funding and logistical issues, to which he responded in a rather desperate way:
Some investors pulled out of the project, and a theater where the musical was to be staged canceled at the last minute. To finance the play, Jung says, he even had to offer his left kidney as collateral for a 20 million won ($20,600) black-market loan -- an illegal and highly unusual action. He says he will have to give up the organ if he can't pay up by next month.
The musical opened in March, and Jung must repay his loan this month, or forgo his kidney. Just a little perspective for all of us who complain about our grant requirements and our lack of resources.