The Keochang International Festival of Theatre opened on July 25 in Geochang, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province). This is an outdoor theater festival where people can cool off in the summer heat while enjoying a play on an outdoor stage. The 17-day festival will be held under the slogan of, “Sky of Play, Stars of Love.”

A total of 51 troupes from 11 countries, including the U.S., Spain, Italy and Estonia, are participating in this year’s festival, which marks its 26th year. A total of 182 performances will be given over the course of the 17-day run. Ranging from traditional drama, musicals and mime shows to mask plays, these theater productions are varied in genre and hold artistic value, popularity and creativity, the organizers said.


About 2,000 people gathered at the outdoor theater in the Susongdae Valley to see the opening play, “Maria Maria,” while enjoying the summer weather on the opening day of the festival, July 25.

“Maria Maria” featured some well-known actors and actresses, including Jeon Sumi and Go Yujin, singer Yoon Bok-hee and Kim Jong-seo. The play has been receiving favorable responses from audiences worldwide and has been on stage for 12 years. The story is about some religious fanatics who try to kill Jesus. They ask a local prostitute, Maria, to seduce him.

Other noticeable plays include "Piip ja Tuut At Concer" by the Piip ja Tuut troupe from Estonia, and "Giraffes" by Xirriquiteula Teatre of Spain. Both have been officially invited to perform at this year's festival. "Piip ja Tuut At Concer" is about two clowns who clean the stage after performances. In "Giraffes," audiences can enjoy a playful mime show featuring two giraffes, drummer boys and musicians.



Various sideline events will also be held around Geochang and the Susongdae area during the festival. There will be a flower tea tasting program, a silver craftwork class, marble puzzles, a photo contest, seminars and other related activities.

More information about the festival is available at its homepage, with services in Korean and English. http://www.kift.or.kr 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting Interpark Ticket and Ticketlink. Tickets can be also bought at selected ticket sales venue in Geochang.

Interpark Ticket http://ticket.interpark.com (English, Chinese, Japanese)
Ticketlink http://www.ticketlink.co.kr/

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr