my timesThe Korea Times
Lifestyle

Arts & Theater

Around town 2

“Seven Intellectuals in a Bamboo Forest” by Yang Fudong will be presented at the MMCA Seoul’s Special exhibition, “Samramansang.” / Courtesy of MMCA Traditional‘Pre & Free'Donhwamun Traditional TheaterUntil May 27Donhwamun Traditional Theater runs a special traditional Korean music performance program, "Pre & Free," from March 3 to May 27.Donhwamun Traditional Theater has prepared diverse performances that suit the tastes of each of the five different audience groups: children, teenagers, senior citizens, foreigners and the general public. Through "Pre & Free," the theater aims to encourage audiences to have more interest in traditional Korean music. 25 artists and bands will participate in the performances.Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, visit sdtt.or.kr or call (02) 3210-7001. ‘Saturday Performance of Korean Music & Dance'National Gugak CenterThroughout 2017Every Saturday, Korean music and dance performances will be presented at the National Gugak Center.For over 30 years, the National Gugak Center ha

Apr 6, 2017
Around town 2

Around town 1

The National Dance Company of Korea will present a dance performance, “Shigane Nai,” from April 27 to 29. / Courtesy of the National Theater of Korea Classical Concerts‘G.F Handel's Oratorio Samson'Sejong Center for the Performing ArtsApril 20 and 21Handel's oratorio "Samson" will be performed for the first time in Korea, by the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on April 20 and 21."Samson" was written in 1741, based on John Milton's closet drama, "Samson Agonistes." It features the story of Samson, one of the leaders of the ancient Israelites who is mentioned in the Bible. Just like many other oratorios of Handel that feature Biblical stories, this piece vividly expresses religious values, the heroism of the characters and historical significance through music. Chief and conductor of the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus Kim Myeong-yeop will be leading the concert.Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1000. ‘Korean Symphony Orchestra 201st Regular Concert _ 17 and

Apr 6, 2017
Around town 1

Russian opera 'Boris Godunov' on Seoul stage for first time

By Yun Suh-young Most of the operas staged in Seoul are dominantly Italian, fair amount French and occasionally German. Seldom are Russian operas performed. In fact the last time a Russian piece was staged by the Korea National Opera (KNO) was back in 2002 (War and Peace). And the group is the largest opera organization in the country.The KNO is preparing itself for a challenging season this year as it will be showcasing “Boris Godunov,” a quintessentially Russian opera, for the first time in 15 years. Opera fans are up for a treat."Boris Godunov," which will run from April 20 through 23 at the Seoul Arts Center, is hard core. Not only is it heavy in plot but also the language is difficult to perform, even for veteran opera singers. The KNO specially recruited a Russian language teacher two months ago to guide the Korean singers."This is a really difficult opera and Russian is a very difficult language. But our singers are doing very well and I'm thankful to KNO for taking interest in this Russian opera," said Russian conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky during a press co

Apr 5, 2017
Russian opera 'Boris Godunov' on Seoul stage for first time

Ryan Gander twists modernism with 'softness'

Ryan Gander’s “A Moving Object, or Sticky work” (2017) / Courtesy of Gallery HyundaiBy Kwon Mee-yooBritish artist Ryan Gander sits in a wheelchair next to his sculpture “Y gem (My neotonic contribution to Modernism)” on display at Gallery Hyundai in central Seoul. / Courtesy of Gallery HyundaiModernism was the most progressive movement in the society back in the late 19th century. However, decades have passed and the newness of modernism has faded. British conceptual artist Ryan Gander challenges the outdated idea of modernism and breathes new life into the movement with “softness” at “Soft Modernism” exhibit at Gallery Hyundai in Seoul.This is Gander's first solo exhibition in Korea and most of the 30 works on display are his latest ones created for the Seoul exhibit. Titled "Soft Modernism," the exhibit is a reflection of what modernism means in this "weird" era."Historically, art movements are very useless," Gander, 43, said at a press conference on March 30.The works feature a wide range of materials from faux fur balls and br

Apr 4, 2017
Ryan Gander twists modernism with 'softness'

April performances to look out for

A scene fron Don Quixote / Courtesy of UBC By Yun Suh-youngWhile March is the month to kick off a new performance season for the year, April is the month to take advantage of the abundance of performances.Starting this week ballet "Don Quixote" is offered by the Universal Ballet from April 5 through 9 at the National Theater of Korea. The ballet, based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes and choreographed by Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky, returns after six years.Whereas the novel focuses on the story of Don Quixote and his servant Sancho Panza, the ballet version focuses on the love story between the inn-keeper's daughter Kitri and barber Basilio. While on the journey to rescue Dulcinea, a woman in his dreams, Don Quixote meets the lovers Kitri and Basilio, who he helps get married."We chose to stage Don Quixote as our first performance this year because it's a piece everyone can enjoy," said Julia Moon, general director of the Universal Ballet Company."It's a ballet for the many Don Quixotes and Kitris and Basilios of today."From April 28 through 30, the Sugi Opera will be

Apr 2, 2017
April performances to look out for

Musicals in English gain greater fandom

A revamped version of “Cats” will be staged at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea from July 11 to Sept. 10. / Courtesy of Seol & CompanyBy Kwon Mee-yooKoreans love musical theater and the Korean musical industry is one of the largest in the world, following Broadway, West End, Australia, and Japan. The size of the domestic musical market is over 300 billion won ($270 million) per year and still growing.Though most of the shows are performed in Korean targeting local audiences, many productions including big shows "Chicago," "Cats," "Jekyll and Hyde" and "Dreamgirls" are being staged this spring in English, which provides the chance to listen to the famous musical theater songs in their original language.The 1996 revival of Kander and Ebb's musical "Chicago" is the second longest-running show in Broadway history, attracting audiences with its vaudeville-style music and black, sexy costumes. It also is a big hit in Korea, staged every year since 2007.The successful musical returns to Seoul with a Broadway cast from May 27 to July 23 at Blue Square in

Mar 30, 2017
Musicals in English gain greater fandom

Around Town 2

“Mechanical Lion” by Leonardo 3 will be presented at the special exhibition, “Da Vinci Codex,” which will be held at the Culture Station Seoul 284. / Courtesy of KOIANTraditional‘Pre & Free'Donhwamun Traditional TheaterUntil May 27Donhwamun Traditional Theater runs a special traditional Korean music performance program, "Pre & Free," from March 3 to May 27.Donhwamun Traditional Theater has prepared diverse performances that suit the tastes of each of the five different audience groups: children, teenagers, senior citizens, foreigners and the general public. Through "Pre & Free," the theater aims to encourage audiences to have more interest in traditional Korean music. 25 artists and bands will participate in the performances.Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, visit sdtt.or.kr or call (02) 3210-7001. ‘Saturday Performance of Korean Music & Dance'National Gugak CenterThroughout 2017Every Saturday, Korean music and dance performances will be presented at the National Gugak Center.For over 30 years, the National Gugak Ce

Mar 30, 2017
Around Town 2

Around Town 1

The classical comic ballet "Don Quixote" will be performed at the National Theater of Korea from April 5 to 9. / Courtesy of Universal Ballet Company Classical Concerts‘Muti Verdi Concert in Seoul'Lotte Concert HallApril 7Opera songs by Verdi will be performed by conductor Riccardo Muti and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra at Lotte Concert hall on April 7.Muti is considered one of the world's finest conductors of the operas of Verdi. He will present his opera selections by Verdi, including pieces from "Nabucco" and "Macbeth." In collaboration with Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra and soprano Vittoria Yeo, he will invite audiences to the beautiful world of Italian opera.Tickets cost 40,000 to 220,000 won. For more information, visit lotteconcerthall.com or call (031) 230-3440. ‘G.F Handel’s Oratorio Samson’Sejong Center for the Performing ArtsApril 20 and 21Handel’s oratorio “Samson” will be performed for the first time in Korea, by the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on April 20 and 21.“Sam

Mar 30, 2017
Around Town 1

Modern poets inspire musical theater

A scene from the musical "Smoke," inspired by Yi Sang's poem "Ogamdo #15" / Courtesy of Double K Film & TheaterBy Kwon Mee-yooOn Joo-wan as as poet Yun Dong-ju in the musical “Yun Dong-ju Shoots the Moon” / Courtesy of Seoul Performing Arts CompanyWhen Korea was under Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945), writers expressed their agony over the tragedy of the time and Korean modern literature cannot be explained without an understanding of that era. The spirit of poets who lived through those dark times has inspired modern-day playwrights and musicals centering on the modern poets.Last year, poems of North Korean poet Baek Seok (1912-1996) were revived in the musical "Me, Natasha and a White Donkey." Inspired by a woman who loved the poet all her life, the musical beautifully sets Baek's poems to music as if reading a collection of poems. The show was well received by audiences and won the Best Musical, Best Script and Lyrics and Best Direction at the first Korea Musical Awards in January.Following the boom is “Yun Dong-ju Shoots the Moon” and “Smo

Mar 29, 2017
Modern poets inspire musical theater

12 contemporary dancers to feature own creations

By Yun Suh-youngThe Contemporary Dance Association of Korea will stage a collection of contemporary dances by 12 artists next week.The 31st performance of "12 Contemporary Dance Artists" will be held April 4 to 9 at the Arko Performing Arts Center near Hyehwa Station in northeastern Seoul.The annual performance invites renowned contemporary dancers to showcase their creativity and artistic work. The performance will be an opportunity to enjoy 12 different pieces of work by 12 different artists. The genres of performance range from Korean and contemporary dance to ballet.The lineup for April 4 and 5 includes Kim Bo-ra’s own creation "Wife," Jung Myung-hun's "Expiration" featuring Jeon Soo-seok, Ko Hyun-jung's "Middle of Nowhere," and Park Jong-hyun's "Dialogue in the Dark" featuring himself. On April 6 and 7, Woo Hye-young's "Doll's House" will feature Chung Kyung-pyo and Choi Jin-wook will perform "Rest" with two other dancers. Ye Hyo-seung will perform his own "How to be Happy" and Kim Yong-geol's "Une Promenade avec Chopin" is also on tap.On the last two days, April 8 and 9,

Mar 28, 2017
12 contemporary dancers to feature own creations
previous page
195196197198199
next page

Most Read in Lifestyle