Highlights

Theater

“Mahoroba”: Young theater company “DreamPlay” is bringing Japanese playwright Horai Ryuta’ s theatrical account on women of different ages and their shared experiences. The play begins as Midori, a single working woman who lives alone in Tokyo while refusing to get married, visits her family in the countryside after breaking up with her boyfriend. She gets into an argument with her mother, Hiroko, as she is repeatedly asked about the reason behind the breakup. Then the play gets other women in the town involved, from an old lady in her 60s to a teenager. Each character offers their thoughts on being a woman, as well as many challenges and choices they face. The show runs till Sept. 25 at Theater Yeonwoo in Daehangno district in Northern Seoul. Tickets range from 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 745-4566. 

“Wedding”: Based on playwright Lee Gang-baek’s 1974 play of the same title, its musical adaptation celebrates the re-opening of the Samilro Warehouse Theater in Myeong-dong in central Seoul, which closed in February due to financial problems. Known as the very first independent theater venue in Seoul, the property has been the home to small-scale, independent theatrical activities by many performing artists and directors. After going through a renovation process supported by Taekwang Industrial, the venue had its official re-opening ceremony on Aug. 10. Its first musical after the reopening delves into the theme of marriage and life through the perspective of its young modern characters. The show runs till Sept. 24. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 40,000 won. For more information, call (02) 319-8021.

“Falling for Eve”: Actor Bong Tae-gyu, who has been playing mostly comic roles in his previous movies and TV shows, will star as the biblical character Adam in American playwright Joe DiPietro’s new musical “Falling for Eve.” A Rutgers University graduate, DiPietro has written many long running-off Broadway shows, including “Nice Work If You Get It” (2010), “The Toxic Avenger (2008), and “All Shook Up” (2005). He won Tony awards for the score and lyrics he wrote for musical “Memphis.” “Falling for Eve” is another version of the love story that appears in the first book of the bible. DiPietro’s Adam refuses to take the forbidden fruit from Eve, and tries to find his own paradise along with his wife. The musical runs until Sept. 11 at the M Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

“Seoul Arts Center Young Artists Opera Festival”: theater students from three universities ― Chugye University for the Arts, Dankook University, and Kyunghee University ― are to perform three well-known operas for this year’s “Seoul Arts Center Young Artists Opera Festival.” While students from Chugye will perform Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)’s 1382 work “L’Elisir d’Amore” (The Elixir of Love), Dankook University students will showcase Johann Strauss II’s (1825-1899) operetta “Die Fledermaus” (The Bat) on stage. Students of Kyunghee University will perform “The Tales of Hoffmann” by Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880), a Prussian-born French cellist and composer. The festival runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 9 at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580―1300 or visit http://www.sac.or.kr.

“Guys and Dolls”: Ok Ju-hyun, the most in-demand Korean musical actress today, selected this popular romantic comedy musical based in 1929 New York, as her next show. She will be sharing the role of showgirl Adelaide with musical actor Kim Yeong-ju. Actor Jin Gu known for his impressive acting in both films and TV dramas, and musical actor Lee Yul will act as gambler Nathan. It runs through Sept. 18 at LG Art Center in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.guysanddolls.co.kr.


Dance

“Romeo and Juliet”: Korea National Ballet presents the classic ballet “Romeo and Juliet.” Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will play the music composed by Serge Prokofiev and the choreography will be by Jean-Christophe Maillot. Conductor Cheong Myung-whun will take the baton. It will run from Oct. 27 to 30 at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 587-6181 or visit www.kballet.org. 

“New Concept Performing Arts Festival”: Hanguk Performing Arts Center will be staging 12 performances through Oct. 2 at Arko Arts Theater and Daehangno Arts Theater in Hyehwa-dong, central Seoul. Under the slogan “Make the Difference,” the festival aims to showcase experimental and original dances such as “Synchronomous” by Intermedia Performance Lab and “EARTH” by Live EARTH MUSEUM. For more information, call (02) 3668-0008 or visit www.hanpac.or.kr.

“Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance”: The National Theater of Korea holds a Korean traditional dance performance every Tuesday at 11 a.m. There are eight different repertoires including a fan dance and a dance with “jango,” a type of Korean drum. The performance is being staged as an open run at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, central Seoul. Admission is 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Miso”: Translated as “beautiful smile,” the musical “Miso” offers a compact presentation of everything Korean culture first-timers could wish for. It blends ten different kinds of traditional dances, five traditional games and a wedding ritual into the main storyline based on a well-known folktale, “The Tale of Chunhyang.” There are very few spoken lines throughout the whole performance, making it ideal for audiences of diverse nationalities. “Miso” is showing as an open run at Chongdong Theater in Jeong-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 751-1500 or visit www.koreamiso.com.

Festival

“Seoul Drum Festival”: An open festival will be held from Sept. 3 to Sept. 24 at the Seoul Square in central Seoul, for people to enjoy the beat of drums. Festival highlights include opening and closing ceremonies, performances by foreign performance teams, world percussion instrument performances, lectures and seminars. Some performances will be held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts’ M Theater. The Seoul Drum Festival is coming into its 13th year in 2011 since its inception in 1999. For more information, visit www.seouldrum.go.kr.

“2011 Hyoseok Culture Festival”: The festival will be held from Sept. 9-18 in Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang County in Gangwon Province, to commemorate modern Korean writer Yi Hyo-seok and his popular novel “When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom.” The novel depicts the connection between human life and beauty of nature through the beautiful scenery of Bongpyeong, the home town of Yi. The festival includes programs such as poem exhibition, literature night, Hyo-seok essay contest, nature experiences (e.g. fingernail coloring using balsam) and buckwheat food cooking. Visitors can tour Yi’s birthplace and memorial hall. For more information, visit www.hyoseok.com.

“Busan International Travel Fair”: The Busan International Travel Fair will take place at BEXCO in Busan from Sept. 2-5. Korea’s local government bodies will introduce Korea’s provincial tour resources and culture. The Travel Industry section’s participants include local government bodies and travel industries. The International Exchange section’s participants include international companies, cities, and foreign government bodies. Visitors will have access to a variety of information. The center stage in the exhibition hall will hold cultural performances from all over the world, and also show promotional images. A photo exhibition showing Korea’s major tour sites will also be on display along with souvenirs. Admission is 2,000 won for adults. Visit www.bitf.co.kr.

“2011 Icheon Ceramic Festival”: Icheon, boasting 1,000 years of history in ceramic arts, will hold the famous “Icheon Ceramic Festival” from Sept. 24 to Oct. 23 at the Seolbong Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Visitors will see a variety of Korea’s finest ceramics such as cheongja (celadon porcelain), baekja (white porcelain), and Buncheongsagi (grayish-blue powdered celadon). Highlights include the ceramics excavation program, and a workshop in which visitors can draw their own artwork on slightly heated pottery. Hot springs are located nearby as well for good relaxation. For more information, visit www.ceramic.or.kr.


Pop Music

“Yuhki Kuramoto Autumn Story: In a Beautiful Season”: The Japanese pianist will hold a series of concerts across the nation through December. In Seoul, he will play on Sept. 17 and 18 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall, playing romantic melodies for the autumn season. The program will include some of the songs newly released in his album including “Shape of Love,” Second Romance” and “Promenade.” The tour will continue in Gwangju, Hwaseong, Uijeongbu, Jeonju, Goyang, Daejeon, Ulsan and Incheon. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-5266.

“Why We Fail”: Singer-songwriter Lee Sung-yol will hold a month of concerts to mark the release of his third album “Why We Fail.” His latest album was released after a four year hiatus, and it is the first time that he has held a month of concerts, his agency said. The stage will be in the center so that the audience can see him from all directions. The concert will take place through Sept. 24 at Sogang University’s Mary Hall. Ticket is 55,000 won. For more information, call (02) 511-0380.

“Koichi Domoto 2011 BPM in Seoul”: Koichi Domoto, a member of Japanese idol group duo Kinki Kids, will hold his first concert in Korea on Sept. 10 at the Olympic Hall. Since debut in 1997, the idol group has been actively engaging in various entertainment areas in Japan, ranging from singing to acting to hosting TV shows. Koichi Domoto debuted as a solo artist in 2006 with the album “Deep in your heart / +MILLION but -LOVE.” The duo is to release their album “BMP” in Korea within August. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 99,000 won. For details, call 1566-5702.

“Lee Seung-hwan, The Regrets”: Pop and rock singer-songwriter Lee Seung-hwan will hold solo concert “The Regrets” on Sept. 18 at Olympic Park’s Subyeon outdoor stage. The 46-year-old has released more than 10 different studio albums and extended plays since his debut in 1996. in He will be collaborating with a project at the concert. The show will be presented in an autumn atmosphere setting, with a main focus on acous tic sounds. Tickets, priced at 99,000 won, are available at www.interpark.com. For details, call (02) 563-0565.


Exhibitions

“The Placeholders”: Hakgojae Gallery presents 16 paintings by German artist Tim Eitel. Eitel is one of the leading artists of the New Leipzig School. By taking photos and mixing the captured images on the canvas through painting, the artist expresses the sentiments, often depressed feelings, of his contemporaries. The exhibition runs through Oct. 23 at Hakgojae Gallery in Sogyeok-dong, central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 739-4937 or visit www.hakgojae.com. 

“Yiso Bahc ― Lines of Flight”: Artsonje Center holds a retrospective exhibition on Bahc Yiso’s drawings. Known as a conceptual and installation artist, Bahc ceaselessly recorded his ideas and views with notes and drawings. The exhibition provides an insight into the South Korean artist’s works by presenting 230 drawings and early paintings that resemble drawings. The exhibition runs through Oct. 23 at Artsonje Center in Hwa-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 1,500 won to 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 733-8945 or visit www.artsonje.org.

“Artist of the Year”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, is showcasing representative works by the 23 winners of this program, which started in 1995 to reward South Korean artists who are active in their field. About 150 paintings, sculptures, installation works, photos and videos by the winning artists of are on display. The star-studded list of winners includes Jheon Soo-cheon (1995), Kim Ho-suk (1999), Jung Yeon-doo (2007) and Park Ki-won (2010). The exhibition runs through Oct. 30. Admission is 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

“French Art Today: Marcel Duchamp Prize”: Latest trends in the French contemporary art world can be spotted at the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. About 100 artworks by 16 artists who either won or were nominated for the prestigious Marcel Duchamp Prize, like Philippe Ramette, Camille Henrot and Michel Blazy are on display. The exhibition runs through Oct. 16. Admission is 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

“Dream and Reality: Masterpieces from Muse d’Orsay”: Including Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece “La Nuit Etoile, Arles,” the show introduces 134 artworks by great 19th century French artists such as Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne and Paul Gauguin, from Muse d’Orsay in France. The exhibition runs through Sept. 25 at Seoul Arts Center’s Hangaram Art Museum in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 12,000 won. For more information, call (02) 325-1077~8 or visit www.orsay2011.co.kr



Classical Music

“Il Gardellino”: Renowned Belgian Baroque ensemble Il Gardellino will hold its first concert in Korea. The concert will take place at the LG Arts Center on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. The harmony of nine members, led by oboist Marcel Ponseel, will stage 18th-century European classical music. The program includes Alessandro Marcello Oboe Concerto in d minor, Bach Cantata BWV158 “Der friede sei mit dir,” Johann Gottlieb Janitsch Quartet in g minor for oboe, violin, viola and basso continuo, Antonio Vivaldi Sinfonia “Al Santo Sepolchro” for strings, RV169 and Bach Cantata BWV 82 “Ich Habe Genug.” Tickets range from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

“2011 Ensemble DITTO Encore Recital”: Male ensemble group Ditto will hold an encore recital tour to thank fans for coming to their annual summer festival. Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill, violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw, pianist Jiyong and cellist Michael Nicolas will hold the concert on Sept. 4 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on 2 p.m. The program includes Mozart Duo for Violin and Viola in G major, K. 423, Ravel Piano Trio in a minor, Massenet Meditation from Thais and Faure Piano Quartet No.1 in C minor op. 15. The same concert will be held on Sept. 2-18 in Seosan, Daejeon, Suwon, Gimcheon, Jeonju, Incheon and Pohang. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

“TIMF Ensemble Sound on the Edge 2 - Oboe +”: Ensemble TIMF said it will showcase modern classical music featuring the oboe as part of its “Sound on the Edge” project on Sept. 7 at Ilsin Hall in Hannam-dong in Seoul. It is the second of the three-phased “Sound on the Edge” project. The performance will include not only solo oboe pieces but a duet with cello and a performance with a string trio as well. Oboist Chun Min-kyung and Ensemble TIMF will stage Witold Lutostawski Epitaph for Oboe and Piano, Isang Yun OstWest-Miniaturen fur Oboe und Violoncello, Antal Dorati Duo Concertante for Oboe and Piano, Luciano Berio Sequenza VII per Oboe and Harrison Birtwistle Oboe Quartet.

“Hyundai Capital Invitational Jo Su-mi Park Concert”: Hyundai Capital is to hold an Invitational Jo Su-mi Park Concert on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at an outdoor stage of the Olympic Park’s 88 Jandi Madang. Since 2007, the financial company has been holding its Invitational performance series. Last year, BBC Symphony Orchestra was invited. Soprano Jo’s concert program will be a variety of opera arias under the theme, “songs of gypsy and bohemians.” The arias include “Gypsy Carmen” in Bizet opera “Carmen,” “I Hear the Sound of Cymbals” in Lehar operetta “Gypsy Love” and “Oh Lovely Maiden” in Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Conductor Steven Mercurio, tenor Joseph Calleja, violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill and the Korea Symphony Orchestra will collaborate. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. Children under 5 will not be admitted. For tickets, visit privia.hyundaicard.com, www.clubbalcony.com or www.interpark.com.