José Alba Rodríguez & Yejune Kim
"Self-Portrait"
- When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?
JAR: My first experience with theater was a pivotal moment that shaped my artistic journey. After immigrating to the USA, I found myself drawn to the stage in a high school production of West Side Story.
YK: When I was 8 years old, I participated in an after-school musical theatre class and performed in "Sister Act." I remember the enjoyable and unforgettable moments during rehearsals, singing and acting with my friends.
- When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?
JAR: I began writing during my teenage years, drawn to the coming-of-age genre, which remains a constant source of inspiration. I was particularly spellbound by David Nicholls' novel 'One Day', whose lyrical and humorous prose brought characters to life in a way that I strive to emulate in my own writing. The iconic songs from West Side Story, 'Somewhere', and Anais Mitchell's powerful song 'Why do We Build The Wall?' from the musical Hadestown resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to craft stories and songs that capture the complexities and vulnerabilities of the human experience. These influences sparked a passion for writing that has only grown stronger over time.
YK: I saw my first musical, "Jekyll & Hyde" when I was in high school. I was completely captivated by how the musical conveyed stories through music. That was the moment I decided to become a musical theatre composer and began capturing my emotions in music. Since then, composing has become a way for me to express my inner self and communicate with others.
- How do you describe your style/work?
Our writing style combines fantastical, larger-than-life characters with real human emotional experiences, delving into the darker aspects of humanity with a touch of humor and irony. Through our stories, we explore themes of redemption, identity, power dynamics, and the human condition, inviting audiences to join us on a journey of self-discovery and growth. With a blend of drama, fantasy, psychological depth, and various musical worlds that our work aims to captivate, inspire, and perhaps even challenge audiences to see the world from new perspectives.
- What is most rewarding to you about writing music?
What we find most rewarding about music is its profound ability to evoke powerful emotions and memories, transporting us back to special moments in our lives. Additionally, music plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and telling stories of our past, present, and future, which resonates deeply with us. Moreover, its capacity to transcend language barriers and unite people from diverse backgrounds is incredibly rewarding. Through music, we’ve experienced a sense of connection and community that transcends words, and we cherish the way it weaves together our shared human experiences.