The initial concept for the work originated from Kim Ga-ram’s research into the Korean War and the pivotal Battle of Kapyong, where she learned of Canadian soldiers playing ice hockey on the Imjin River. This image inspired use ice hockey as a metaphor to portray the brutality of war while celebrating the enduring youth, dreams, and humanity of the young men who fought. Her directorial vision emphasized cross-cultural unity.

뮤지컬 <R;LINK> The Musical” marks his debut in theatrical writing. His creative focus was on ensuring a proper representation of Canada’s diverse cultural fabric, including not only English and French-Canadian elements, but crucially, the voices and presence of Indigenous peoples. His experience included his first trip to Korea, where he was deeply moved by visiting the Canadian War Memorial in Kapyong and witnessing Korean elders pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.

A recent graduate of the CapU Musical Theatre Program, Quebec native Sandrine Boudrias has an intimate and unique understanding of the dramatic text, having originated the role of Lt Tremblay. Her direct insight is invaluable, especially concerning the French-Canadian content—much of which was developed with her—as she navigates the material’s linguistic and cultural nuances. This project prioritizes supporting emerging talents like Sandrine in this key role, which is vital for ensuring the French translation maintains artistic quality, cultural integrity, and co-creation.

Chris Dodd is an award-winning Edmonton-based Deaf performing artist, playwright, and accessibility advocate. Over a 25-year career, he founded and serves as artistic director for SOUND OFF, Canada’s national theatre festival dedicated to Deaf performing arts, working to dismantle barriers for Deaf artists. His critically acclaimed solo show, Deafy, has toured widely and been published by Playwrights Canada Press in the anthology Interdependent Magic: Disability Performance in Canada. A tireless advocate, he has consulted on accessibility and previously worked as an Adaptive Technologist at the University of Alberta. His significant contributions have been recognized with honors including the 2019 Guy Laliberté Prize and an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2025.

A graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada’s playwriting program, Martin Bellemare was awarded the 2009 Prix Gratien-Gélinas for Le Chant de Georges Boivin. He received creative assistance grants from CNT/ARTCENA for La Liberté, Moule Robert (Bourse CNL, shortlisted for the 2017 Prix de la dramaturgie francophone de la Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques [SACD], 2018 Prix Michel-Tremblay), for Maître Karim la perdrix (2018 SACD Prix de la dramaturgie francophone), and for his play for young audiences Charlie et le Djingpouite (shortlisted for the 2020 Prix Louise Lahaye). He has led workshops and attended writing residencies in West Africa, Quebec and Europe, including Poland, where he wrote three short plays for the DramEducation Francophone project “10 sur 10.” He was a finalist for the 2020 Siminovitch Prize, which celebrates excellence and innovation in contemporary Canadian theatre. His play Cœur minéral won the 2020 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama. His plays are read and performed in West Africa, Canada, and Europe, and are published by Dramaturges Éditeurs and Lansman.