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Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Sold-out final run of 'Godot' by two veteran stars
Shin Gu, Park Geun-hyung donate one night to next generation of theater artists It's not every day a theater production sells out instantly in Korea -- let alone one headlined by two octogenarian actors. But Shin Gu, 88, and Park Geun-hyung, 84, have done it again. Tickets for their final run of 'Waiting for Godot' were snapped up the moment they went on sale. The production runs from Friday through May 25 at the National Theater of Korea's Daloreum Theater. This farewell staging marks the end of a landmark collaboration that has captivated audiences since its 2023 premiere. From its debut at the National Theater in December 2023, to an encore run in 2024 and a 21-city national tour, the production has sold out 102 performances. Samuel Beckett's existential masterwork, a cornerstone of 20th-century absurdist theater, follows two vagabonds, Estragon (played by Shin) and Vladimir (Park), who wait and wait endlessly for a mysterious figure named Godot, who never arrives. Shin and Park, long embraced as familiar father figures and steady on-screen mainstays, deliver an interplay onstage -- seasoned and rhythmic back-and-forth -- that has resonated deeply with audiences. Both in their 80s, they aren't exactly the usual stage heartthrobs -- but the actors credited the show's sold-out success to audiences in their 20s and 30s, a demographic not typically drawn to modernist absurdist drama. 'Young people today live in a world filled with absurdities,' Shin said during a recent press conference. 'I think they connected with the play because the irrational world Beckett created feels close to their own.' Park agreed. 'Waiting for something that may not even exist -- isn't that just like life? Especially for young people today,' he said. 'That's why we decided to dedicate one of our final shows as a donation performance -- to connect with them more directly.' For that one-night benefit performance, scheduled for May 13, both actors waived their appearance fees. In adidtion, all proceeds from that performance, will be donated to a fund established by the Arts Council Korea, a national development agency for the arts of Korea, to support emerging theater artists. 'With all this love we've received, we wondered how we could give something back,' said Shin. 'We wanted to return the favor -- not only with a good performance, but with something that might help younger artists in a meaningful way.' The two said it was disheartening to see that the theater environment they experienced in their youth has changed so little even now. 'The arts need a strong foundation to grow,' Park added. 'Just as a nation needs a solid base to stand upright. Now that we're in the twilight of our lives -- physically and spiritually -- this is something we felt we had to do.' 'The theater world is, in truth, facing a difficult situation. Many actors working in this field are genuinely going hungry. According to statistics, 50 percent of theater actors earn less than 250,000 won ($180) a month purely from theater work,' said Arko Chairman Choung Byoung-gug. 'The seed money will grow into something larger. We'll be launching a campaign to encourage broader donations, building on the generosity of these two great artists,' Choung added.
Korea Herald
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Family-friendly concert presents magical adventure where kids meet traditional Korean instruments
In the enchanted 'Forest of Instrument Trees,' a vibrant scene comes to life. As haegeum and piri musicians perform with flair, their puppet counterparts proudly mimic their movements. Yet, off to the side, the daegeum murmurs in low spirits, 'Unlike other instruments, I'm hollow inside, so I can't play a big role." But the young hero Seonyul intervenes. 'Because you're hollow, there's room for the sound to travel. Song carves a path through the heart." Encouraged, the daegeum steps forward with newfound confidence and begins to play, evoking applause from other instruments. The scene is from Monday's rehearsal of "Shinnarak Mannarak," the National Orchestra of Korea's latest children's concert, part of an on ongoing series since 2004 that aims to introduce traditional music to young children. Inspired by the myth of Seolmundae Halmang — the grandmother goddess who created Jeju Island by scooping soil up from the sea — the story follows Seonyul (whose name means 'melody' in Korean), a child who is the only one able to sing in a world without music. Seonyul sets out to find the "Giant God," who is said to grant wishes, hoping to bring back her mother who has gone far away for work. Along the way, Seonyul stumbles into a magical realm of music, befriends a caterpillar named Omul — small in size but big in heart — and discovers the distinct sounds and charms of traditional Korean instruments. The title comes from a phrase in the Jeju dialect meaning 'when gods and humans meet and rejoice together.' The 60-minute show includes a 10-piece ensemble, four actors and an array of expressive puppets. Veteran pansori performer and director Park In-hye said she 'wanted to capture the analog beauty that comes with well-crafted puppets." Composer and music director Lee Go-woon, a mother of two, noted that she approached the work with her own children in mind. 'I wanted this to be something my kids could genuinely enjoy — a way for them to experience the charm of gugak naturally and joyfully. My hope is that after the show, they'll still be humming the melodies." 'It's an experience where they get to know each instrument,' said Oh Kyung-ja, concert master and geomungo player of the NGO. "Many of our musicians have said they can't wait to show this to their own children — that's how much it means to us." "Shinnarak Mannarak" will run April 22 to May 4 at the National Theater of Korea's Haneul Theater in Seoul.
Korea Herald
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Qatar Philharmonic makes resonant Korea debut with cultural fusion
Concerts celebrate 50 years of Korea–Qatar ties through cultural harmony The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra made its long-anticipated Korean debut over the weekend with two performances in Goyang and Seoul, meeting Korean audiences for the first time since its founding in 2008. On Sunday evening, the orchestra -- comprising 96 musicians from more than 30 countries -- took the stage at the National Theater of Korea's Haeoreum Grand Theater. Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Korea, the concert was attended by notable guests including acting President Han Duck-soo, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Foreign Minister Park Jin and Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young. The concert, which highlighted the richness that emerges when diverse musical heritages and talent converge on one stage, opened with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring pianist Park Jae-hong, the first prize winner of the 2021 Busoni Piano Competition and the recipient of four additional awards. Park delivered an absorbing and commanding performance, captivating the audience with his nuanced and powerful interpretation of the Romantic masterpiece. Following the intermission, the orchestra returned to present Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," offering a sweeping conclusion to the main program. 'This program features iconic works from the classical repertoire -- pieces we believe the audience will not only recognize but truly enjoy,' said conductor Wilson Ng. 'It's a celebration, and we wanted the music to reflect that spirit.' Ng, a figure familiar to Korean audiences, previously served as the associate conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra from 2019 to 2022. The evening concluded with a surprise encore that introduced the audience to the distinctive musical voice of Qatar. The orchestra performed 'Spirit of Maqam' by Nasser Sahim, the QPO's deputy executive director. A leading Qatari composer, Sahim is known for merging traditional Arab musical modes with modern orchestration, creating contemporary works rooted in heritage. 'Qatari music is steeped in lyrical storytelling and rich rhythmic patterns,' Sahim said in a recent email interview. 'In 'Spirit of Maqam,' I explore traditional modes with modern orchestration to reflect the dynamic nature of our culture. It captures emotional nuance through textures that may be unfamiliar, yet universally moving.' Ng, who conducted the program, also shared his perspective on the unique qualities of Middle Eastern music. 'Like traditional Asian music, Middle Eastern music often uses different tonal systems, such as maqam, rather than Western scales. These elements give it a unique flavor -- just as the pentatonic scale does in Asian traditions. It's distinct and immediately recognizable, and I hope the audience finds it just as fascinating as I do.' Saturday's performance in Goyang offered even more insight into the QPO's roots, featuring three works by contemporary Middle Eastern composers. Among them were 'Borealis' and 'Polaris' by Dana Al Fardan, a prominent Qatari composer and songwriter, both drawn from her album "Tempest." These pieces, infused with cinematic textures and emotional intensity, added a modern voice to the orchestra's program. Commenting on the repertoire, Sahim emphasized the importance of cultural diversity in programming. 'The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra serves as a cultural bridge, weaving Qatari identity into the global music scene. Our goal is not only to perform but to connect -- to let music carry the essence of our heritage to new audiences. In this context, Korea, with its deep artistic roots and openness to musical dialogue, becomes a perfect stage for this mission,' he remarked. Ng noted that 'the orchestra is in a unique position geographically and artistically to serve as a bridge between cultures. I wish more people and institutions embraced this role, especially in a time when we need more bridges than walls. I'm proud to be part of that mission through music.' Sahim also expressed his hope for future cooperation between the two countries. 'This concert can be a foundation for deeper collaboration -- from composer residencies and educational programs to joint productions,' he said. 'Music has no borders, and I believe both our nations have so much to offer each other artistically. I hope this exchange sparks more creative dialogue between Qatari and Korean artists in the years ahead.' Sunday's event presented by the Goyang Cultural Foundation and the QPO and was supported by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Korea, Qatar Airways and Herald Media Group.
Korea Herald
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to perform in Korea for first time
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to take stage at National Theater of Korea on Sunday The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform in South Korea for the first time on Sunday at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theater of Korea, bringing an evening full of passion to Seoul. The orchestra's first-ever performance in Korea is expected to serve as a cultural bridge and foster stronger artistic exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries. The event is hosted by the Goyang Cultural Foundation and sponsored by the Embassy of Qatar in Seoul, with the partnership of Herald Media Group, which publish The Korea Herald. Conductor Wilson Ng from Hong Kong and acclaimed pianist Park Jae-hong will perform Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18. The orchestra will also perform Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" and "Slavonic Dances." Established in 2007 with the support of the Qatar Foundation, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has gained recognition for weaving Arab music styles with Western classical music. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has since performed at prestigious concert halls in Europe and the Middle East, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, Santa Cecilia Hall in Rome and the Katara Opera House in Doha, Qatar.
Korea Herald
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Weekly open-air market with live music at Namsan
Themed markets at National Theater of Korea in April, May The National Theater of Korea will be hosting its outdoor cultural festival, 'Art in Series,' every Saturday from April 5 to May 24 at the plaza in front of Haeoreum Grand Theater, at the foot of Seoul's Namsan. This year's edition of the weekly festival will feature an open-air market with a different theme each week — crafts, flowers, seasonal produce and coffee — while live music adds to the festival's vibrant atmosphere. The festival kicks off April 5 with "Art in Parts," a creative market where craft artists will show off their creations and lifestyle goods, including curated selections from the Seoul Museum of Art and Space Uooyoung. Visitors can take part in a hands-on workshop to craft their own ceramic cups. The outdoor stage will feature a lineup of punk rock, pop ballad and country music performances. "Art in Parts" returns for its second run May 3. On April 12 and May 10, the festival presents 'Art in Spring,' a seasonal market celebrating spring flowers and plants, artisanal teas and aromatic goods, and seasonal delicacies. The live music program will include pop, acoustic R&B and ballad performances. April 19 and May 17, brings 'Art in Marche,' a farmers' market featuring over 60 teams of farmers and artisans offering fresh, seasonal produce alongside artisanal bread, cheese, beverages and handcrafted goods. The outdoor stage will highlight performances by artists inspired by gugak, or Korean traditional music. At "Art in Coffee" on April 26 and May 24, specialty coffee roasters from across Korea will share their signature blends and brewing philosophies. Visitors can explore a wide selection of coffee-pairing desserts, coffee-related crafts and books. The event will be accompanied by live jazz and blues performances. Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival is open to the public with no prior registration required. For more details, visit the National Theater of Korea's official Instagram.
