National Theater Company Overseas Invitation Performances 'Banya Samchon' and 'Malkallyangi Gildrigi' Canceled

Due to COVID-19 Impact... Schedule Change for 'Faust Ending' Opening on April 3

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The performances of "Uncle Vanya" by Russia's Bakhtangov Theatre and "The Taming of the Shrew" by the UK's Royal Shakespeare Company have been canceled due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

The National Theater Company announced on the 18th that it would cancel the performances of "Uncle Vanya" and "The Taming of the Shrew," which were arranged as part of the 70th anniversary overseas invitation performances.

Originally, "Uncle Vanya" was scheduled to be performed from May 28 to 30, and "The Taming of the Shrew" from June 2 to 6 at the Myeongdong Arts Theater. The National Theater Company explained, "Due to the recent strengthening of travel restrictions by various countries because of COVID-19, we decided to cancel the performances to prevent schedule changes and to ensure the safety of the performers and staff."

Lee Seong-yeol, Artistic Director of the National Theater Company, said, "To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National Theater Company, we planned to introduce two excellent overseas works to domestic audiences and make it a monumental year. Unfortunately, with the reduction of international flights and travel advisories issued by various countries, it was difficult to guarantee safe overseas invitation performances, so we made the difficult decision to cancel. We hope the COVID-19 situation will subside quickly so that the performing arts sector can regain vitality."

The National Theater Company also announced that it is considering postponing the opening of "Faust Ending," which was scheduled to be presented at the Myeongdong Arts Theater for a month starting April 3. Since the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's recommendation to cancel or postpone planned performances by national arts organizations has been extended until April 5, postponing the opening seems inevitable.

The National Theater Company stated that it will notify the public through its official website and social media (SNS) as soon as the performance and ticket sales schedules are confirmed.

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