By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Seoul Arts Center called off all scheduled performances of the Opera Theater until February due to a fire that broke out last week.
Located in southern Seoul, Seoul Arts Center is Korea's prominent art complex with five halls and three art museums.
Shows that are cancelled are the special gala concert (Jan. 19-20), the Brachetti Show (Jan. 23-Feb. 14) and the musical ``We Will Rock You'' (Feb. 19-March 9).
The special gala concert is a collaboration performance of the National Opera Company of Korea, Korea National Ballet and the National Chorus of Korea.
The Brachetti Show displays a quick-change performance by Arturo Brachetti, an Italian artist. Brachetti was chosen as the fastest quick-change artist in the world for the Guinness Book of Records 2006 and 2007. ``We Will Rock You'' is a jukebox musical based on the music of British rock group Queen. Both performances stopped selling tickets and the agencies are devising measures to make up for the financial loss with the Seoul Arts Center.
Seoul Arts Center estimates that it'll take at least three months to repair the theater. The center is also considering bringing forward the date of a total renovation that was originally planned to start 2009. However, in this case, Seoul Arts Center will have to cancel all the scheduled productions next year, including opera ``Parsifal'' and other big performances celebrating the center's 20th anniversary.
All other performances in Towol and Jayu Theaters and Concert and Recital Halls, which were not affected by the fire, will be held normally. For more information visit www.sac.or.kr/eng (in English) or call (02) 580-1400.