Live Online Streaming of Sejong Center Performances... Support for Performances Affected by COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is offering various performances online to citizens who are voluntarily practicing 'social distancing.' To support citizens who find it difficult to enjoy performances at venues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, programs such as 'Theater in My Hand' and 'Cheer Up Concert' are being presented.

'Theater in My Hand' is a program that showcases outstanding performances planned by Sejong Center last year through its YouTube channel. It features a total of eight performances, including the musical drama 'The Independence Army in Front of the Theater,' which attracted attention with the participation of all nine affiliated art groups under Sejong Center last year, the Seoul City Opera's 'Don Giovanni,' children's performances like 'Mozart and Mozzarella,' and 'Beethoven's Secret Notes.' These are presented twice a week over four weeks, every Saturday and Sunday, starting from March 14 until April 5.

'Cheer Up Concert' is an online broadcast program planned by Sejong Center to support artists and groups affected by COVID-19, conducted with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

On March 31, the Seoul City Opera's 'Opera Matinee - Opera Talk Talk ' will be the first performance. Opera Talk Talk is a revamped version of the Seoul City Opera's opera matinee performances, which were loved by many audiences from 2013 to 2018. It features performances of famous pieces by opera composers combined with a talk show format by the production team, making opera more accessible and enjoyable with a fresh approach.

The second performance is the Seoul City Dance Company's 'Not' (No One There), the opening work of the '2020 Sejong Season,' presented on April 18. This performance delivers a message of overcoming insurmountable conflicts and finding a path to coexistence. It offers a vivid online experience of large-scale, dynamic group choreography, dreamlike choreography direction, and a stage that maximizes the scale of Sejong Center's Grand Theater.

In addition to self-planned performances, 10 works from groups whose performances were canceled or artists and art groups affected by COVID-19 are selected through an open call and presented via online broadcast. These include canceled Sejong Center rental performances and works recommended by the Arts Management Support Center, which operates the 'Performing Arts Sector Damage Counseling Desk.' Five works from each category, totaling 10, are selected through application and review and broadcast live online.

Sejong Center provides the 10 selected teams with not only the venue and production costs (up to 30 million KRW) but also online broadcasting and promotion, including filming. 'Cheer Up Concert' will be available for free viewing by anyone every Tuesday and Friday from April on 'Naver TV Performance LIVE.'

Various events for online audiences are also underway. First, an online cheering event for the speedy overcoming of COVID-19 is in progress. Messages of support and comfort are being sent through Sejong Center's social media channels to everyone struggling due to COVID-19, and gifts are given to 219 participants. Additionally, among viewers who watch the live performance videos and send certification shots, 100 people will be selected by lottery to receive small gifts. The event runs until March 31, and the winners will be announced on April 1 via Sejong Center's official Facebook page. Detailed information can be found on Sejong Center's SNS channels.

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