"Arko Some Festa," a summer performing arts festival ranging from youth theater to renowned dancers active on world stages, opens Thursday.
"Sixteen organizations from across the country are participating to present various theatrical performances at venues including the Busan Cinema Center," said Ko In-beom, public relations committee chair of the Korea Theater Festival, at a press conference held Monday at the Artists' House in Daehangno, Seoul. "Collaborative performances between overseas theater companies and Busan-based theater companies are also being prepared."
"Arko Some Festa" begins with opening events held in Daehangno on Friday and Saturday, and unfolds across the country in July and August. Organized by the Arts Council Korea (Arko), it is an integrated festival that brings together 15 festivals selected for the performing arts festival support program under one brand. In the theater category, audiences will encounter the Korea Theater Festival Busan (July 1-26), the Pureun & Neulpureun Theater Festival (July 4-8), and the Exit 1 Theater Festival (July 8-Aug. 30).
"This is a festival that records the artistic lives of veteran theater artists aged 70 and older through performances," said Kim Seong-no, artistic director of the Pureun & Neulpureun Theater Festival. "Our goal is to capture on stage and preserve as a record the performances of actors who have shaped the history of Korean theater."
In the music category, the "July Festival" (July 1-31), the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival (Aug. 7-15), and the Vivid Korean Music Festival (Aug. 28-30) are being held. "Through the July Festival, we will focus on French composers from Debussy to Messiaen," said Kang Seon-ae, head of The House Concert. "It will be a special opportunity to vividly feel the sound and vibration of music in a space of about 100 people, including both performers and audience."
In the dance category, the "Invitational Performance of Overseas Dance Stars Shining for Korea" has been arranged. The performance features dancers active in major overseas ballet companies, including Yoon Seo-hoo (Paris Opera Ballet), Choi Su-jeong (Leipzig Ballet), and Jung Seo-hyun (Dresden Semperoper Ballet).
