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Arts & Theater

Traditional Yet Modern Woodworks on Display

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter Cabinetmaker Yang Seung-pil brings a collection of fine woodcraft furniture for the first time in 20 years. Simple, smart and trim, the pieces have a warm, natural glow about them that resembles the artist's kind eyes. ``They're made from trees native to Jeju Island. They embody the rough and rustic yet warm, humble nature of the locals,'' the 54-year-old told The Korea Times. The furniture, particularly the two and three-tiered chests, look like the Korean traditional type we usually see inlaid with mother-of-pearl. But stripped of the fancy shell decoration, the furniture is classically Korean yet has a touch of modernity found in contemporary Italian furniture. The pieces are all crafted from cherry, wild cherry and zelkova trees. The three reddish trees grow at a very slow rate in the volcanic soil of Jeju Island, so the wooden grain is very tight and has a hard, durable surface. With the touch of Yang's hands and a careful firing in the furnace, the raw wood transforms to take on a deeper reddish shade and smooth texture. Yang has d

Apr 11, 2008

Korean Artist to Hold Exhibit in Russia

By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Lee Bo-suk, the president of the 21 Century International Creative Artists Association (21C ICAA) and also a famous artist for reinterpreting Korean art, is holding an exhibition at Russia's State Hermitage Museum, April 10-20. ``Arirang of Russia- Hangeul 2008'' is special for Lee not only because it is to be held at the historic museum by invitation but also because she will display art works that represent Korean culture. ``It is a great honor indeed and people around me tell me that it's just not my achievement, but a great opportunity for the Korean art community to grow as well,'' Lee said in an email interview with The Korea Times. Lee will introduce her works, which are deeply rooted in Korean traditional art and inspirations. What made her create an exhibition like this one, especially overseas where Korean culture is seldom mentioned or introduced? ``There was one question I had when I was visiting different countries and holding exhibitions. `Who am I and what is the artwork that represents me?''' she said. It

Apr 11, 2008

Clubs, Art Exhibitions & Sports Games

Clubs Club Garden Apgujeong-dong Club Garden is an electronica hotspot, with the big draw being its line-up of guest DJs such as Laurent Garnier, Mondo Grosso, Afrika Bambatta and Goldie. Near Galleria Department Store on the so-called Rodeo Street in southern Seoul. Call (02) 518-5115 or clubgarden.co.kr. Club Evans Hongdae or Hongik University Area This club, located near Hongik University, is great for intimate live performances. The line-up of performers is generally top-notch and the acoustics are good. Located near exit 1 on Sangsu Station on subway line 6 or exit 6 on Hongdae Station on subway line 2. Call (02) 337-8361 or www.clubevans.com. Club Caliente Itaewon The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station subway line 6. Call (011) 9094 8484 Club M2 Hongdae M2 features top DJs from home and abroad. The dance floor and the DJ

Apr 10, 2008

Concerts, Museums & Performances

Classical Concerts David DQ Lee Recital LG Arts Center April 17 Join countertenor David DQ Lee at his recital and listen to his impressive voice and technique. He will perform the works of Purcell, Handel, Schumann, Schubert and much more. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 99,000 won. Visit www.seoularts.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2. Bambini di Praga Seoul Arts Center May 1 One of the most famous choirs in Europe, the Bambini di Praga has prepared a special performance for Korean fans. The choir will not only offer their own classical music, but also famous tunes from all over the world. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit www.seoularts.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3. Don Kosaken Chor Wanja Hlibka Sejong Center for the Performing Arts April 17 Russia's legendary choir the Don Kosaken will visit Korea. Conducted by Wanja Hlinka, their powerful harmonies will surely fascinate Korean fans. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 80,000

Apr 10, 2008

Kiefer, Schnabels Works in Seoul

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter German artist Anselm Kiefer and American artist Julian Schnabel are two of the most brilliant contemporary artists today. Their acclaimed works are now on display in two separate exhibitions in Seoul. Kiefer's ``Das Geheimnis der Farne'' runs through May 24 at Kukje Gallery New Space, while ``Schnabel Asia'' is ongoing at the Gallery Hyundai through April 20. Anselm Kiefer ``Das Geheimnis der Farne'' (The Secret of Ferns), Kiefer's third exhibit at the Kukje Gallery, features recent works created between 2004 and 2007. At the gallery, visitors are greeted with a huge installation piece composed of two houses and 20 fern panels. Ferns, according to the exhibit's co-curator Lorcan O'Neill, are a symbol of invisibility in mythology. Mythology, theology, medieval alchemy and Kabbalah are themes that are of great interest to Kiefer. ``Geheimnis means secret in German. It is `secret' in a complex way. In mythology, the ferns make you invisible. That's why the two houses have doors, but you can't see through it. Invisibility

Apr 9, 2008

Gyeongseong to Display 1930s Dance

By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater is preparing a performance of ``Gyeongseong 1930,'' to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The performance is set during the devastating times of the 1930s, where two gisaeng, or female entertainers, San-hong and Geum-hyang, and one independence fighter, Hyeong-cheol, strive to fulfill their dreams. Through love, friendship and suffering, they finally learn the true meaning of life and passion. ``Gyeongseong'' was the term used to refer to Seoul during Japanese colonial rule. ``I wanted to portray the tradition and memories of the 1903s, especially through the lives of gisaeng. This performance will be a chance for the younger generation to learn traditional dance and also art,'' Lim Lee-jo, the art director of the performance said at a press conference Monday. Lim is the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater and also a renowned traditional dancer. ``Gyeongseong 1930'' is based on the book ``Noreummachi'' by Jin Ok-seob, a traditional art expert. ``Noreummach

Apr 9, 2008

My Scary Girl, Musical to Debut in United States

By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter A musical rendition of the local hit film, ``My Scary Girl'' will debut in the United States in July. The musical will join the lineup of the 2008 Musical Theater Lab for new musicals in development at the Barrington Stage Company (BSC). It is the first Korean work selected by the BSC, the renowned American performing arts support group, to be presented to its theater lab. The BSC is a well-known non-profit organization that supports the performing arts and helps new musicals in preparation debut on a trial stage on and off Broadway. The show runs in the United States from July 9 to 26. Also, ``My Scary Girl'' will go to the final round in the New York Musical Festival, which will be held in fall. Based on a 2006 Korean comedy/horror/romance film, ``My Scary Girl'' is the story of a man who discovers dark secrets about his new girlfriend. Ahn Sam, an official of the Musical Heaven, the local production company, said that the U.S.-based company will provide technical and creative support by providing the theater and staff to compl

Apr 9, 2008

Snow Show for Kids, Adults

Treats for Children, Ahead of Children’s Day By Chung Ah-young Staff Reporter Once children in Korea used to frolic in the snow through most of winter. But now as the climate is getting warmer, snow is becoming increasingly rare, with only a few days of snow falling in Seoul each year. The thought of snow still delights children eager to play the endless games it makes possible, while adults love the romantic and enchanting atmosphere it evokes. A magical show by Slava Polunin, a Russian clown, creator of ``Asisyai-revue,'' ``Snowshow'' and ``Diabolo,'' will allow audiences to feel once again, the innocence of being a child this spring. Korea will see the show's fifth opening this month. According to Yedang Entertainment, the show's organizer in Korea, it has drawn about 3 million viewers in more than 100 countries around the world. More than 60,000 people saw the show in Korea alone in the previous performances. The show begins with four clowns walking on the snow against a gray and dark backdrop. The show features the spectacular last scene, in which teardrops

Apr 8, 2008

Kim In-sook’s Second Life With Beads

By Lee Hyo-won Staff Reporter A former criminology professor has begun her ``second life'' as a jewelry designer. After 30 years of teaching at Kookmin University, Kim In-sook has turned a therapeutic hobby into a full-fledged career. ``I want people to know that life can start at 65,'' the 69-year-old told The Korea Times, speaking in fluent English. She was part of the first generation of Koreans to study abroad after the Korean War (1950-53), and earned degrees at Oklahoma State University and New York University. ``I'm not a trained jeweler or craftsperson, but it's better that way. I have an excuse if it's not perfect,'' she laughed. ``But it gives me freedom and creativity to go in any direction I want.'' And such freedom has put her on the map as an innovator. Kim set the trend in Korea for big, bold accessories, and her works are much coveted in the diplomatic and celebrity circles. They're also sold at the upscale gift shop in Leeum Samsung Museum of Art in central Seoul. Last year, she held an exhibition with Lisa Vershbow, jewelry designer and wife of the Ame

Apr 8, 2008

Theatre Seoul Re-Stages Teeth

Treats for Children, Ahead of Children’s Day By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter ``Teeth,'' a children's musical about the importance of brushing one's teeth, returns to Seoul's stage this spring. Korea's largest English-language musical theater group Theatre Seoul is re-staging ``Teeth'' at the COEX Art Center, southern Seoul starting April 23. The show, which premiered last January, is aimed at teaching children about dental health and hygiene using fun and music. ``Teeth'' follows the story of Prince David whose mission is to rescue a beautiful princess from a horrible monster. Unlike fairy tales where the Prince is charming and perfect, Prince David loves to eat candy and sweets but hates brushing his teeth. Despite his bumbling nature, Prince David manages to save the Princess. However, she sees his ugly teeth and spurns him. She uses magic to go inside his mouth and show Prince David how disgusting his teeth are, but the Princess is kidnapped by the evil Cavities. Prince David has to learn how to brush his teeth properly, and save the Princess from the

Apr 8, 2008
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