Jeongdong Theater Suspends 'Jeokbyeok' Performances Until Next Month 8 Due to COVID-19 Concerns

'Jeokbyeok' performance scene
Photo by Jeongdong Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Jeongdong Theater announced that it has decided to temporarily suspend the performance of "Jeokbyeok," which opened on the 14th, until the 8th of next month, following the government's elevation of the COVID-19 crisis alert to the "serious" level on the 23rd.

Jeongdong Theater expanded its regular disinfection work to once a week to prevent COVID-19, introduced thermal scanners in the theater lobby, and took preventive measures such as installing hand sanitizers throughout the venue, providing non-contact thermometers, and distributing masks to the audience. However, considering the seriousness of the situation due to the government's response level being raised to "serious," the theater decided to temporarily suspend the performance. They added that follow-up measures, including refunds for ticket holders for the remaining performances, will be carried out accordingly.

"Jeokbyeok" is a work that recreates the most exciting Battle of Red Cliffs scene from the pansori "Jeokbyeokga" through pansori and contemporary dance, allowing the audience to enjoy the explosive energy of the actors continuously for 100 minutes. It was first introduced in 2017 through Jeongdong Theater's traditional creative performance development project "Changjak-ing" and has since gained audience acclaim, becoming a representative repertoire performance of Jeongdong Theater.

Jeongdong Theater explained, "Currently, with the infectious disease crisis alert at the highest level of 'serious,' Jeongdong Theater made this decision after deep consideration, prioritizing the health and safety of the public due to concerns about additional confirmed cases and secondary infections."

The decision on whether to resume the "Jeokbyeok" performance after the 8th of next month will be determined based on future developments and government responses. The performance of "Jeokbyeok" was scheduled until April 5th.

Jeongdong Theater stated that it will continue to make every effort to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.