33rd Geochang International Theatre Festival Opens July 28

A Total of 54 Troupes from 10 Countries to Participate Officially
82 Official and Fringe Performances Scheduled

The Geochang Cultural Foundation will host the 33rd Geochang International Theatre Festival for 15 days, from July 28 to August 11, 2023.

The main poster features the festival's slogan, "IMAGINATION IS MORE FUN IF YOU KNOW," along with a cheerful photo of a German mime troupe participating in this year's festival, reflecting the theme, "Imagination is more enjoyable when you understand it."

A total of 54 troupes from 10 countries, both domestic and international, have been officially confirmed to participate. There will be a total of 82 performances, including official and fringe shows.

This year, in addition to traditional mime artists from Germany and the royal puppet troupe from Belgium, a total of 10 troupes from 9 countries-including France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Mongolia-will join Korean companies to present a richer and more substantial lineup than ever before.

The opening and closing performances, which will mark the grand beginning and finale of the Geochang International Theatre Festival, are scheduled to take place on a special stage built along the waterfront at Susungdae.

The opening performance will be Giuseppe Verdi's globally beloved "La Traviata," presented as a unique fusion of the opera's poignant love story and a theatrical production. The show will feature more than 100 performers and the majestic, beautiful melodies of a 50-piece orchestra, creating a midsummer night's dream in Geochang.

For the closing performance, popular musical actors such as Lee Jihoon, Sonya, and Kim Sohyun will revisit iconic scenes from famous musicals and films, offering a spectacular visual experience.

Meanwhile, the special waterfront stage used for the opening ceremony will continue to serve as a fringe stage throughout the festival, allowing performers to engage more closely with the audience. Additionally, a temporary covered stage will be set up in the open space in front of the bamboo grove, currently used as a parking lot, to host both daytime and nighttime fringe performances, making it easier for audiences to enjoy a variety of shows.

A highlight of this year's festival is the jukebox trot musical "Try Out," co-produced by the Geochang Cultural Foundation, Hamyang County, Gyeryong City, Hwaseong City, and Lihiders. It will be performed for the first time in Geochang County.

"Try Out" is a musical centered on the dreams and challenges of youth, delivering messages of courage, hope, and encouragement. It will feature singer Yoyomi, Byul Sarang, comedians Ahn Sangtae and Ahn Ilkwon, among others, promising both entertainment and inspiration for the audience.

The Geochang International Theatre Festival is the only comprehensive outdoor performing arts festival of its kind in Korea. This year’s international lineup includes the German troupe Bodecker & Neander, who will present "Deja Vu"-a performance by one of the few outstanding mime artists worldwide who was a disciple of the legendary Marcel Marceau and continues his tradition. The Belgian Royal Puppet Troupe Tonne will also stage "The Three Musketeers," a show with a 300-year history, marking its Korean premiere alongside other high-caliber performances.

A representative of the Geochang International Theatre Festival stated that preparations are underway to welcome audiences with the highest level of traditional and distinguished performances.

In particular, from June 5 to June 23, advance exchange ticket reservations for the festival will be available, offering a 50% discount at 5,000 KRW per ticket. A total of 1,050 tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Each advance exchange ticket can be redeemed for admission to one of 21 paid performances during the festival.

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