NTOK
The National Theater of Korea is gearing up to enthrall audiences with a captivating blend of novelty and tradition in its upcoming 2023-24 season. At a press conference held in Jung-gu, Seoul, the artistic directors of the theater's three national troupes — the National Changgeuk Company, National Dance Company, and National Orchestra — unveiled an impressive lineup of 60 works, featuring 24 new pieces and 13 co-hosted performances scheduled from September 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Highlighting the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the theater's relocation to Namsan, a special year-end outdoor concert titled "Song of King Sejong" will be the crown jewel of the season. With a grand-scale musical cantata production featuring 300 artists from all three national troupes, this mesmerizing showcase will illuminate the life of King Sejong and his instrumental role in creating Hangeul, the Korean writing system.
Continuing the spirit of innovation, the National Orchestra of Korea is set to present a unique performance titled "Aejuga — Tunes and Wines" in June next year. Amidst the picturesque scenery of Namsan's lush forests, this outdoor concert will blend traditional instrumental orchestra with the indulgence of traditional Korean liquor, promising an immersive experience for both performers and audiences alike.
"We are exploring innovative ideas for the concert, including the possibility of letting the musicians share a drink with the audience," shared Yeo Mi-sun, the artistic director, and concertmaster of the orchestra. "Releasing the tension and connecting with the audience could lead to a truly unforgettable performance."
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Another highlight of the season, "The Origin of the Orchestra," scheduled for November, will build upon the orchestra's pioneering experiments, incorporating immersive performances with media arts and cutting-edge technology, offering a one-of-a-kind symphonic experience.
The National Changgeuk Company is poised to dazzle audiences with "Paper Shaman" in June 2024, an extraordinary production directed by Park Kollen with lyrics by gugak musician Ahn Sook-sun. This innovative performance will seamlessly blend the art of pansori, traditional Korean shaman rituals, and traditional Korean paper art, showcasing the essence of Korean aesthetics.
The National Dance Company's lineup features the special holiday production "Festival," welcoming the new year while bidding farewell to the old. Additionally, performances such as "Sinsun," inspired by the traditional "Kwonju-ga" (Drinking Song) and choreographed by contemporary dance company Goblin Party, and "Mongyudowonmoo," inspired by painter Ahn Gyeon's "Mongyudowondo" (Dream of Strolling in a Peach Garden) from the Joseon era, will take audiences on transformative journeys with music and stage designs that transcend reality.
In a bold move to enrich the season, the National Theater of Korea aims to increase the number of performances by 10 to 20 percent, enhancing accessibility at the foot of Namsan by expanding facilities and hosting cultural markets and events regularly.
As excitement builds for the upcoming programs, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the National Theater of Korea's official website for further details and booking information. With a diverse range of performances promising to charm audiences with their creative brilliance, the National Theater of Korea's 2023-24 season is poised to be a cultural spectacle of grand proportions.
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