MAMAMOO member Solar will be taking to the stage as the main character Mata Hari in the musical ‘Mata Hari’, which opens today (the 5th).

‘Mata Hari’ is Solar‘s musical debut, and she will be participating in the musical for the fourth season in 2024, following the third season in 2022.

‘Mata Hari’ is based on the true story of the beautiful dancer Mata Hari (real name Margareta Gertrude Gelles), who was arrested by the French authorities on charges of being a double agent during World War I and executed. In the play, Sola is the best dancer of her time with a captivating charm, but behind the glamour, there is a wounded woman named Margareta Gertrude Gelles. The story of Mata Hari will be depicted in detail.

‘Mata Hari’ will be performed at the LG Arts Center Seoul, LG SIGNATURE Hall until March 2, 2025. The following is a Q&A with Sola, who plays Mata Hari.

Q. Following the third season of the musical ‘Mata Hari’ in 2022, you will be joining the fourth season in 2024 as Mata Hari. How do you feel?

A. ‘Mata Hari’ is meaningful to me because it is my musical debut, and I have such happy memories of preparing for the performance at the time that I really wanted to do it again. This season, I want to take it a little easier and show you my own ‘Mata Hari’ that has more depth than last season.

Q. Since you are meeting the audience again as Mata Hari, I think your affection for the character has deepened even more. What did you work hard to perfect your own Mata Hari?

A. I continued my image training to become ‘Mata Hari’, not Solar, in all aspects. I prepared hard with the thought that I wanted to show the audience a more perfect, higher quality play. There were definitely times when those efforts were difficult, but I think I prepared with more passion and fun. I am already so excited and looking forward to it.

Q. You were double cast in the same role as Ock Joo-hyun. You both started out as singers and have since become musical actors. Is there anything you can emulate or some memorable advice you gave her?

A. I am learning so much from her that it is hard to pick just one. I am with you with admiration as I watch you so beautifully and beautifully maintain the weight of the crown.

Q. ‘Mata Hari’ is the work in which Solar took her first steps as a musical actress. What would you say is the biggest difference between being on stage as a singer and acting?

A. Since musicals require acting and speaking on stage, I think that is the biggest difference. Singing conveys emotions, but conveying emotions through lines feels different. I think those aspects of musicals have a different charm to me than being on stage.

Q. If there is a work or role you would like to challenge yourself with in the future, please tell us.

A. If there is a great work, I always want to work hard with a grateful heart^^

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com Reporter jhj@donga.com