National Theater of Korea 70th Anniversary Production 'Mansun' Opening Postponed + Cancellation of 'The Vegetarian' Performances

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The National Theater Company of Korea has postponed the opening of its 70th-anniversary repertoire "Mansun," which was scheduled to open on the 16th at the Daloreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea.

This decision was made following the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's extension of the period for "cancellation or postponement of planned performances by national arts organizations" until the 19th due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The National Theater Company announced that it stopped ticket sales as of the 7th and is processing refunds for all ticket holders. They added that ticket sales will resume once a new opening schedule is confirmed.

Additionally, the National Theater Company announced the cancellation of the play "The Vegetarian," which was scheduled to be performed from May 6 to June 7 at the Small Theater Pan in Seogye-dong, Seoul.

"The Vegetarian" is a theatrical adaptation of the novel of the same name by author Han Kang, who won the Man Booker Prize in 2016. As part of the National Theater Company's "Directors' Pan - Foreign Directors Exhibition," it was co-produced with the Theatre de Liege in Belgium, with director Selma Aloui slated to direct.

However, as COVID-19 spread worldwide, the Belgian government's recommendation to refrain from overseas travel made it difficult for director Selma Aloui to enter Korea. Even after entry, a 14-day self-quarantine period mandated by domestic policies would prevent normal rehearsal and performance schedules. Therefore, the National Theater Company stated that they agreed with the Theatre de Liege to cancel the performance.

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