Dance
A scene from the Seoul Ballet Theatre’s upcoming modern dance production, “Rage.” (Seoul Ballet Theatre)
“Rage”: The Seoul Ballet Theatre is gearing up for its upcoming modern dance production of “Rage” in celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary. The show was choreographed by SBT artistic director James Jeon. The 70-minute, no intermission action-packed modern dance piece stemmed from the director’s own personal anger toward the political state of the country. ”Rage” will be staged on June 5 and 6 at the LG Arts Center, with ticket prices ranging from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit http://www.ballet.or.kr/.
“Giselle”: Following the Korean National Ballet’s season opener of “Giselle,” the Korea Universal Ballet Theatre will also stage its own rendition of the ballet world’s most classic and beloved tales of love and heartbreak. The ballet is a tale of an emotionally and physically fragile village girl who falls hopelessly in love with her prince charming, but her world shatters when she finds that she was not the only woman in her man’s life. The Universal Ballet Company’s production of “Giselle” will be held at the Seoul Arts Center from June 13-17. For more information, visit www.universalballet.com.
“Amore Amore Mio”: Well-known as a satirical and cynical dancer, Jeon Mi-sook will present the ballet performance “Amore Amore Mio” in Seoul, directing questions to the audience about the virtue of love, with a convoy of the most talented Korean dancers. The 70-minute show deals with vulnerability, detachedness, hesitation and many intertwined emotions that love and our lives inevitably brings to us, through a not so passionate but bold performance. “Amore Amore Mio” will be staged at the Arts Council Korea ― Performing Arts Center from June 5-7. Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Theater
scene from Paris-born cabaret Crazy Horse Paris (Crazy Horse Paris)
“Hero”: A revival production of “Hero,” an original Korean musical based on the life of patriot Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) will be staged at Blue Square in Seoul’s Itaewon from April 14 to May 31. Veteran actor Jung Sung-hwa, who won both public and critical acclaim for his performance in the original production in 2009, returns as the colonial-era national hero, sharing the role with Min Young-ki and Kang Tai-eul. Ticket prices start at 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555 or visit www.iacom.co.kr.
“On a Blue Day”: Directed by renowned playwright Ko Seon-woong, the play tells the story of a young couple against the harrowing backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising in May 1980, and depicts the pain of living through the aftermath. The original cast will put on their last performance of the heartwarming play, which first raised its curtain in 2011. “On a Blue Day” runs from April 29 to May 31 at the Namsan Arts Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Ticket prices are 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 577-1987.
“Crazy Horse Paris”: “Crazy Horse Paris” is one of France’s most iconic live burlesque performances, attracting more than 15 million people worldwide over the past six decades. In celebration of the Paris-born show’s 65th anniversary this year, “Crazy Horse Paris” will be premiering not only in Seoul for the first time, but for the first time in all of Asia. The cabaret will run twice daily from Monday to Saturday until June 30 at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel’s Walkerhill Theater in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 220,000 won and can be purchased exclusively at wwww.crazyhorseparisinseoul.com.
“Cats”: The international production of the Broadway classic “Cats” is having its Seoul run until May 10. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011, is the second longest-running show in Broadway history. It tells the story of the Jellicles, a tribe of cats who assemble for their annual junkyard gathering, when one is chosen to be reborn for a new life. One-by-one the characters take center stage to make their case for rebirth, singing and dancing. “Cats” will play at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Ticket prices range from 70,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.
“Slava’s Snowshow”: Russian performance artist Slava Polunin’s award-winning mime will be performed at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul from May 14-30. First premiered in 1993 in Russia, the show is famous for its spectacular last scene of a man-made snowstorm sweeping through the stage. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.
“Phantom”: An American musical based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel “Phantom of the Opera” is getting a Korean premiere in April, with singer Park Hyo-shin and international soprano Im Sun-hae in the lead roles. Produced by Seoul-based EMK Musical Company, the Korean rendition of “Phantom” will kick off on April 28 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. It will continue through Aug. 2. Tickets cost 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-6478.
“Dreamgirls”: Korea-U.S. joint production musical “Dreamgirls” is back for its second run in Seoul since 2009. The musical has been adjusted from the original 1981 Broadway version to include famous melodies such as “Listen,” which was also in the 2006 eponymous cinema hit starring Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. It is the story of a young African-American singing trio in the 1960s who reach stardom and overcome obstacles. “Dreamgirls” runs through May 25 at the Charlotte Theater in Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 14,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.
“Death Note”: A new musical based on the Japanese cartoon and film series of the same title, “Death Note” will open in Seoul in June, two months after its world premiere in Japan. The Korean rendition will star the country’s top-notch musical actors Hong Kwang-ho and Kim Jun-su. The music is composed by Frank Wildhorn (“Jekyll and Hyde,”) with the book and lyrics by Ivan Menchell (“Bonnie and Clyde”) and Jack Murphy (“Monte Cristo.”) “Death Note” will be staged from June 20-Aug. 9 at the Seongnam Arts Center Opera House. For inquiries, call (02) 1577-3363.
“Chicago ― Original Cast”: The original Broadway cast for “Chicago” ― the longest running American musical in Broadway history ― will be making its way back to Seoul this summer. The six-time Tony-Award-winning musical is a dynamic tale of passion, lust and murder during the backdrop of 1920s Chicago in the roaring jazz music era. The upcoming production will feature cast members from the U.S. Tour Company and will be held at the National Theatre of Korea from June 20 to Aug. 8. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information call, 1544-1555.
Pop music
Idina Menzel (Idina Menzel official website)
“Idina Menzel Live in Seoul”: Broadway star Idina Menzel became an A-list singer here after her performance as the voice of Elsa in the Disney super smash hit “Frozen.” The Tony Award-winning actress will hit the stage to meet her fans in Seoul at the end of next month, making it the first time the ubiquitous song “Let It Go” will be performed by the star live in Korea. The set will also include songs from her past work in “Wicked,” “Rent,” and “Aida.” The concert will be held at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul on May 30. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 154,000 won. For more information, call (02) 552-2505 or visit www.interpark.com.
“Greenplugged Seoul 2015”: The two-day Greenplugged Seoul music festival is entering its sixth year. This year’s lineup promises to be a balanced collection of Korea’s favorite acts, from the rock ‘n’ roll band YB to sweet, talented singer-songwriter Younha and the soothing weaver of melodies Epitone Project. Hip-hop and R&B acts such as Dynamic Duo and Crush are also on the lineup to add some beat and soul. The festival will land at Seoul’s Nanji Hangang Park from May 23-24. Ticket prices are 66,000 won for a one-day pass and 109,000 won for both days. Special ticket packages are also available. For more information, visit www.GPSfestival.com or www.interpark.com.
“Seoul Jazz Festival 2015”: The annual three-day Seoul Jazz Festival will kick off its ninth year with an all-star lineup, including jazz icons Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, the Cardigans, Basement Jaxx, Caro Emerald, Owl City, Jeff Bernat, Dirty Loops, Mika and many more. The festival will also include a number of popular Korean acts, including acoustic duo 10cm, Roy Kim, the Peppertones, Epik High and Daybreak. This year’s Seoul Jazz Festival will be held at Seoul Olympic Park from May 23-25. Ticket prices range from 123,000 won (early bird) to 287,000 and vary based on one-, two- or three-day passes. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.
“Park Jung-hyun ― I Am You Are Me”: R&B sensation Park Jung-hyun, also known as Lena Park, presents her first solo concert of 2015. She is known for her powerful voice through songs such as “P.S. I Love You,” “My Day,” and “In Dreams,” and more recently through her appearance on “I Am a Singer.” Titled “I Am You Are Me,” the two-hour concert will be an exploration of Park’s musical world and a chance for fans to enjoy her live performance. The three-city tour begins in Seoul at Blue Square’s Samsung Card Hall from June 12-21, followed by Daegu on June 27-28 and Busan on July 11-12. Ticket prices range from 99,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Exhibitions
“Liminal Air — Descend” by Shinji Ohmaki (MMCA)
“Interplay”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art presents site-specific art project “Interplay.” The exhibition presents installations of four international artists Ross Manning, Jinnie Seo, Shinji Ohmaki and avaf. The four artists transform white cube exhibition rooms into works of art with which viewers can interact. Japanese artist Ohmaki’s installation of strings, fabrics and bubbles creates a meditative experience inspired by Zen Buddhism. Manning installed a kinetic installation using light and sound that allows viewers to experience a unique sense of space. The exhibition runs through Aug. 23 at the Seoul museum of the MMCA in Samcheong-ro. For more information, (02) 3701-9500.
Yun Hyong-keun: PKM Gallery presents an exhibition of the late monochrome artist Yun Hyong-keun (1928-2007) as their first in a newly opened gallery space in the historic neighborhood of Samcheong-dong. The exhibition, which runs from April 15 to May 17, features nine large paintings by the artist and his smaller works made from early 1970 to 1990. Yun was a leading figure in the dansaekhwa movement, using rough-surfaced canvas and black paint that stains the canvas. For more information, call (02) 734-9467.
Special Exhibition of Donated Works ― Jung Tak-young: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is holding an exhibition of the late Korean abstract artist Jung Tak-young, known for abstract ink painting, at its Deoksugung Palace branch museum until June 28. The exhibition offers an insight into Jung’s lifetime endeavor to combine traditional Korean painting practices and aesthetics with abstract expression. It displays some 140 works, spanning 40 years of Jung’s artistic career, such as sketches, drawings, ink paintings and metalwork. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2022-0600.
Mark Rothko: The first large-scale retrospective of American abstract artist Mark Rothko is being held at Hangaram Art Museum of Seoul Arts Center until June 28. The exhibition features 50 oil paintings, covering about 60 years of Rothko’s endeavor to create art that inspires emotions in its audience. The artworks, on loan from the National Gallery of Art in the U.S., range from earlier works featuring street scenes and subway scenes of the 1930s to the red painting he made just before he committed suicide in 1970. Tickets are 15,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. The museum closes on the last Monday of every month. For more information, call (02) 532-4407.
“Tracing Shadows”: Plateau, Samsung Museum of Art, presents an exhibition of 12 artists with unique subjects and painting styles. The exhibition attempts to examine the traditional art medium of painting in today’s contemporary art world dominated by installations and media art. Participating artists include those in their late 30s to early 40s from diverse backgrounds such as Korea, the U.K., the U.S., China, Poland and Romania. Highlights include the latest works by young American painter Hernan Bas, referenced from literature, art history and pop culture, and scenes of everyday life in Romania by Serban Savu. The exhibition runs through June 7. For more information, visit www.plateau.or.kr.
Classical music
Violinist Shin Ji-ah will perform as part of the upcoming 2015 Ditto Festival. (Credia)
“The Marriage of Figaro”: The 18th century four-act Italian opera by Mozart, “The Marriage of Figaro,” is the continuation of the plot from “The Barber of Seville.” The Mozart classic is widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of standard operatic repertoires and is among the most-performed operas worldwide. The production will be staged at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theatre until May 10. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 180,000 won. For details, call (02) 720-3933.
“2015 Ditto Festival”: All-male chamber ensemble Ditto is back for its ninth annual festival. Titled “Schubertidade” as an homage to Austrian composer Schubert, the festival will feature a series of Schubert-themed concerts by violinist Johnny Lee, pianist Steve Lin, cellist Jay Campbell, violinist Richard Yongjae O’Neill and many other artists. The festival mainly takes place at the Seoul Arts Center and LG Art Center from June 6-30. For details, call (02) 318-4301 or visit www.dittofest.com.
Mikhail Pletnev and Russian National Orchestra: Pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev, founder and artistic director of the Russian National Orchestra, will take the helm of Russia’s first independent orchestra in the ensemble’s upcoming performance in Seoul. The orchestra will perform the Glinka Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture; Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in b flat minor, Op. 23; and Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 in e minor, Op. 27. The one-day concert will be held at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theatre on July 2. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 220,000 won. For details, call (02) 541-2512.