Yearly French Cultural Festival to Take Off
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
There is no need to fly to France to get a taste of its rich arts and culture, as France Express brings the best of French and Franco-African as well as Korean talent -- express-- to Korea. Presented by the French Cultural Center here, the festival will showcase dance, music and theater performances as well as visual arts, literature and cinema programs in venues all over Seoul and its outskirts all throughout the month of October.
Last year, Korea and France celebrated the 120th anniversary of their bilateral relations, and France Express symbolizes the continuation of a friendship the two share in all sectors, from the sciences, economy and education to the arts, culture and education, said Philippe Thiebaud, French ambassador to Seoul, during a press conference last Tuesday at the French Cultural Center.
The ambassador explained that the festival boasts close to 20 different programs based on three principles -- excellence, youth and partnership. France Express invites world-class artists -- coloratura soprano Elisabeth Vital, virtuoso pianist Alexandre Tharaud and famed choreographer Caroline Carlson, who will stage an electrifying audiovisual dance performance with Electronic Shadow.
The festival takes place not only to offer colorful recreation activities but also to establish long-term links, with world-class performances that appeal not only to the most refined of cultural palates but also reach out to the young generation. Fostering cultural understanding at the student level is promise of a stronger Franco-Korean bond in the future, said Jean-Luc Maslin, director of the French Cultural Center.
Most notable is famed theater-consultant Jean Guy Lecat's return to Korea. Lecat will stage two theatrical performances with young actors from Kookmin University, ``Antigone'' and ``Oedipus.'' Lecat had visited Korea some 30 years ago bringing to life Moliere's classic text with a touch of Korean -- Korean actors wearing hanbok, or traditional garments. Deliberately working without an interpreter, Lecat suggested that art transcends language barriers, and said he was excited to combine the French savoir-faire with the youthful energy of Korean students.
Diversity seems to be the key word for the festival, both in genre and character, as France Express spotlights artists from African nations. Senegal's celebrated voice Ismael Lo will croon soulful tunes that speak about racial discrimination, poverty, peace and love. The festival invites for the first time to Korea three dance troupes from Dakar, Mali and Congo, who are creating a buzz in the international dance scene with their avant-gardism marked by powerful rhythms and exotic moves with a hint of tradition.
You should not miss the opportunity to view playful installation pieces by visual artists Lionel Sabatte and Kwon Kyung-hwan created using mixed media ranging from tissue to condoms. France Express also brings to Seoul videos from the Centre Georges Pompidou, a mecca of modern and contemporary art in Paris.
``Lire en Fete'' also highlights French literature, and will offer readers a chance to meet best-selling writer Muriel Barbery and showcase France's internationally-adored comic series ``Asterix'' at the French Cultural Center, located near Seoul Station. Visit www.france.or.kr.