[Herald Interview] 'Jellyfish' playwright discusses authenticity of disabled portrayals

The preproduction showcase of "Jellyfish," starring actors with disabilities at Seoul's Modu Art Theater in late May, was different in many ways. From the outset, it set itself apart with an unconventional beginning where the cast and creative team gathered on stage in a small circle, introduced themselves and engaged in a quick chanting game to check on each other’s mental and physical states before the performance. The play was presented in a relaxed style, with dim lighti

June 12, 2024

[Herald Review] Propaganda play turns into absurdist black comedy

Playwright Cha Beom-seok's "Hwal Hwa San," which premiered in 1974, was a work of political propaganda inspired by the real-life figure Kim Myung-soon, a model example of the Saemaul Undong movement. In bringing the play back to the stage after almost half a century, director Yoon Han-sol was intrigued by the question of how a 50-year-old propaganda play could resonate with a contemporary audience. Rather than adapt or alter the script, he chose to add twists in directing through

June 11, 2024

National Theater Company revives legendary Cha Beom-seok's 'Hwal Hwa San'

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of renowned playwright Cha Beom-seok's birth, the National Theater Company of Korea is staging "Hwal Hwa San." Directly translated to "active volcano," the play is set in a small rural village in North Gyeongsang Province during the late 1960s. It follows the story of Jeong-sook (played by Kang Min-ji), the daughter-in-law of the Lee family. Despite their noble lineage, the family teeters on the brink of ruin due to mounting debts. Jeong

June 11, 2024

[From the Scene] Rain couldn't dampen spirits at Busan International Dance Festival

BUSAN -- Despite unexpected rain and a shifting schedule, the Busan International Dance Festival wrapped up its vibrant three-day celebration Sunday, showcasing a rich tapestry of performances from around the globe in the southeastern city. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival offered a unique experience in seeing dancers perform on an outdoor stage next to the sea. As rain poured on Saturday, the festival’s official program at the Haeundae Beach Special Stage had to be

June 10, 2024

Dream Concert World in Japan to take place in August

Dream Concert, which has been held annually for 30 years, will meet with K-pop fans in Japan this August. Since its inception in South Korea in 1995, Dream Concert has been a significant event in the K-pop calendar, showcasing countless musical artists over the years. Under the theme “With Music We Got a Friend,” concerts will be held over two days, Aug. 10-11, at the Belluna Dome in Saitama, Japan. This will be the second overseas edition of the Dream Concert, with the first taking

June 7, 2024

[Herald Interview] Contemporary dance project 'Init' brings together dancers across Asia

When dancers who appear to be performing without rules suddenly move together in unison, each movement and step falling perfectly into beats, it creates a breathtaking effect. Choreographer Kim Sung-yong of “Init” likened this to an ink-and-wash painting, where different colors blend naturally and unpredictably. The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company is set to premiere the DMAU project, "Init," from Friday to Sunday at the National Theater of Korea's Haeoreum Gr

June 5, 2024

Renowned US, UK artists across genres to perform in Seoul

Several renowned American and British artists of diverse genres will perform in Korea in the latter half of this year. American singer-songwriter Tori Kelly will hold her first concert in Korea, performing at Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on Aug. 27 as part of her Asia tour "Purple Skies," according to Live Nation Korea. Kelly, winner of two Grammy awards in 2019, is best known in Korea for her collaboration with Le Sserafim's Kim Chaewon on her song "Spruce.&

June 5, 2024

Gyechon Festival ends with four-hand performance by Kim Sun-wook, Cho Seong-jin

The 10th Gyechon Classic Festival concluded Sunday with the final concert featuring the Gyeonggi Philharmonic led by pianist-turned-conductor Kim Sun-wook and pianist Cho Seong-jin. The last performance of the three-day festival began right after a half-hour rain delay. The orchestra and star pianist Cho performed Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35 in front of 7,000 spectators. For the encore, Kim and Cho joined forces to perform Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5, whi

June 4, 2024

Two takes on 'Macbeth': Barrier-free through sign language, pansori

The National Theater of Korea is set to premiere a barrier-free adaptation of "Macbeth" that intertwines Korean sign language and pansori, a traditional Korean musical storytelling. The NTOK’s in-house production is scheduled to be performed at the National Theater of Korea's Daloreum Theater in Jung-gu from June 13-16 before heading to France for a performance in July. The story brings six deaf actors playing the key characters in sign language, while four pansori singers n

June 2, 2024

Two takes on 'Macbeth': Classic with contemporary mis-en-scene by Yang Jung-woong

This summer, the National Theater of Korea will host two distinct renditions of Shakespeare's “Macbeth,” bringing both classic and contemporary flavors to the stage. The Shakespearean tragedy tells the story of the Scottish general Macbeth who, driven by a prophecy from three witches, murders the king to ascend the throne, only to spiral into madness and ruin. Helmed by renowned director Yang Jung-woong, the SEM Company's production starring veteran actors Hwang Jung-min,

June 2, 2024

English version of Korean original musical ‘Marie Curie’ hits London’s West End

The Korean original musical “Marie Curie” will hit London’s West End on Saturday, the first time a Korean production is being staged in English in one of the two biggest theater districts internationally, along with New York’s Broadway. The musical will run at the 265-seat Charing Cross Theatre through July 28, with the Culture Ministry readying to promote the show through talks between the media and the cast on June 7 and joint concerts by the Korean and UK actors on Jun

May 31, 2024

[Herald Interview] Botis Seva's hip-hop 'BLKDOG' dives into youth trauma, depression

Far From The Norm, the hip-hop dance company led by acclaimed choreographer Botis Seva, is set to make its Korean debut with "BLKDOG," an emotionally charged hip-hop dance theater piece, at the Seongnam Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province, June 22-23. Premiered in 2018 at Sadler's Wells Theater in London, "BLKDOG" won the Laurence Olivier Award for best new dance production at the 2019 Olivier Awards. This year, Seva joined Sadler's Wells Theatre as an associate artist

May 31, 2024

Busan International Dance Festival celebrates 20th anniversary with dance magic

The Busan International Dance Festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary with spectacular performances across various locations in Busan. Over the past two decades, BIDF has showcased some 1,000 works from more than 60 countries. This year, the festival will bring over 60 performances by 40 dance troupes from 10 countries, including Lithuania, France, Brazil, Peru, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, involving over 400 participants. The opening ceremony will kick off at 7 p.m. on

May 31, 2024

Paju Fair_Book & Culture to bring books to stage in September

Paju Book City will be transformed into a vibrant performing arts festival site in September, showcasing a variety of performances rooted in books. The inaugural edition of the Paju Fair_Book & Culture will take place Sept. 6 to 9, aiming to bring fresh energy to the cultural complex of publishers and printing houses located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. The fair endeavors to explore and expand cultural and artistic narratives rooted in literature while serving as a global platform for their i

May 30, 2024

Legendary rock stars to hold joint concert

Two South Korean rock icons, Jeon In-kwon and Boohwal, will hold a joint concert in June. The two giants of 1980s Korean rock will host "The Age of Rock" on June 15 at the KBS Arena in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The concert was originally scheduled for April, but was postponed to June. After playing with various bands in the 1970s, vocalist Jeon In-kwon formed Deulgukhwa in 1984, a band that became a cornerstone of Korean rock. Known for his unique, almost anguished vocal style, Jeon sang hits

May 29, 2024

Westlife to return to Korea after 13 years

The Irish pop band Westlife will perform in South Korea for the first time in 13 years. According to Mohegan Inspire Resort on Monday, Westlife will hold "Westlife: The Hits Tour" at Incheon Inspire Arena on July 6-7. Mohegan Inspire Resort’s Inspire Arena located in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, is the first multipurpose arena in South Korea. Westlife will be the second overseas artist to perform in the venue following Maroon 5. Westlife, known for their emotional melodies and rich harm

May 27, 2024

[Africa Forum] Traditional Korean, African dances celebrate ties

Traditional Korean and African dances by both the Little Angels and TAGG marked the Africa Day 2024 Korea Business Forum on Thursday, with a side event introducing African food and craft. Twenty-three members of the Little Angles opened the celebrations with “buchaechum,” or fan dance, followed by the singing of “A Beautiful Country,” a Korean song, at the forum cohosted by Herald Media Group and the African Group of Ambassadors at the Swiss Grand Hotel Convention Center

May 26, 2024

Samulnori Ttamtti celebrates 20 year musical journey with concert

Samulnori Ttamtti, a Korean traditional music quartet composed of four individuals with disabilities, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a concert titled "Ttamtti's 20-Year Journey to Fly High." The group was formed in 2003 as part of a music therapy program for disabled individuals, bringing together Ko Tae-woog, who has a developmental disorder; Park Jun-ho, who has autism; Lee Seok-hyun, who has a brain disorder; and Cho Hyeong-gon, who has Down syndrome. All four members

May 24, 2024

‘Monk DJ’ takes global stage, with caveat

A South Korean DJ-comedian in a Buddhist monk’s robe is riding growing popularity to step onto the global stage, but he is increasingly forced to deal with resurfacing complaints questioning his way of spreading the religion. Youn Sung-ho -- the comedian known as NewJeansNim, “snim” meaning monk in Korean -- stepped into the global spotlight in late April during his first overseas tour in Taiwan, where he delivered his electronic dance music performance of echoing Buddhist vers

May 23, 2024

[Herald Interview] Universal Ballet's 'The Ballerina' peeks behind curtain

The Universal Ballet is set to present its original production, 'The Ballerina," a work that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of ballet dancers striving for a shining moment on stage. The performances will take place at the Seoul Arts Center's CJ Towol Theater from May 31 to June 1. This is the first time the production will be performed in Seoul, following its premiere in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, and subsequent regional tours in 2022 and 2023. Choreographed by artistic dire

May 22, 2024