Renowned Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter is set to return to Korea with his latest creation, The Theatre of Dreams, a groundbreaking work that delves into the complexities of human consciousness and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The performance, marking Shechter's long-anticipated return to Korea after two years, will take place on March 14 and 15 at the Seongnam Arts Center, featuring his acclaimed Hofesh Shechter Company.

In an interview conducted ahead of the premiere, Shechter reflected on the philosophical underpinnings of his work, emphasizing the inherent ambiguity of truth and reality. "The more we try to define the world, the further we move away from the truth. Truth isn't something that can be precisely defined—it’s simply a part of our experience," Shechter stated. "The Theatre of Dreams explores the hazy space where reality and fantasy collide, inviting the audience to question what is real and what is imagined."

The Theatre of Dreams navigates the intricate landscapes of human consciousness, focusing on the tensions between desire and repression, the conscious and the subconscious. Thirteen dancers and three live musicians take the stage, weaving together electronic soundscapes, human voices, and dynamic choreography that embodies the complexities of the human psyche. Far from being a mere backdrop, the stage itself becomes an integral character, acting as an extension of the dancers' inner worlds.

Shechter elaborated on this innovative staging approach, saying, "The stage operates like the human mind—revealing some elements while concealing others. As the performance progresses, the audience is drawn deeper into the subconscious, where the raw essence of human existence becomes increasingly vivid."

A luminary in the contemporary dance world, Shechter has collaborated with some of the most prestigious institutions, including the Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Ballet, and the Metropolitan Opera. His choreographic brilliance has earned him numerous accolades, including nominations for the Tony Awards and the Laurence Olivier Awards. In 2018, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to the arts.

Known for his multidisciplinary approach, Shechter is not only a choreographer but also a composer and filmmaker. His dance film Political Mother: The Final Cut won Best Dance Film at the Cannes World Film Festival, showcasing his talent for blending movement, sound, and visual storytelling. "I find that film and music offer unique perspectives that deeply influence my choreography. Sometimes, it feels like I’m borrowing cinematic ideas when creating my dance pieces," he confessed.

Looking ahead, Shechter revealed plans for an upcoming collaboration with the Paris Opera Ballet in June, alongside various other international projects. Despite his global engagements, he expressed a deep fondness for Korea, recalling his past visits. "I love Korean food, people, and culture—especially galbi and bibimbap," he shared. "While I’m excited to share The Theatre of Dreams with Korean audiences, I also look forward to strolling through local markets and reconnecting with the vibrant energy of the city."

Shechter hopes that his work will create a sense of shared humanity among audiences. "When people sit together in a theater, experiencing the same moment, they realize how similar we all are. This realization fosters empathy and community," he reflected. "I want my audience to feel that deep connection, to understand that beneath our differences, we are all profoundly alike."

As The Theatre of Dreams prepares to make its Korean debut, audiences can expect a performance that challenges perceptions, evokes emotion, and redefines the boundaries of contemporary dance.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com