By Lee Minji
Korean performing arts are set to captivate audiences at the prestigious Avignon Festival this year, with a diverse selection of works exploring both traditional Korean culture and universal global themes. The Korea Arts Management Service, a key partner with the Avignon Festival committee, announced the lineup, which includes masterpieces spanning various genres from innovative traditional dance to modern interpretations of pansori. This marks a significant moment as Korean is designated the official guest language of the festival, celebrating 140 years of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France.
The selected works range from “KIN: Yeonhee Project I,” which masterfully fuses traditional Korean dance with modern dance expressions, to “Snow, Snow, Snow,” a compelling project rooted in pansori, or traditional Korean opera. These performances transcend specific cultural boundaries, conveying profound themes and messages that address various social issues, from those deeply embedded in Korean history to universal concerns that resonate with a global audience today.
Featured performances delve into critical social issues. “Island Story” confronts the painful history of the 1948 Jeju uprising, highlighting state violence through the narratives of its victims. In contrast, “1 Degree Celsius” addresses the urgent, universal challenge of global warming, connecting with contemporary global concerns.
A major highlight is the lecture-performance “Oiseau,” featuring acclaimed Nobel laureate Han Kang’s novel “We Do Not Part.” This poignant work, which portrays the tragedy of the Jeju massacre, will be read by celebrated French actress Isabelle Huppert and distinguished Korean actress Lee Hye-young. Avignon Festival director Tiago Rodrigues emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating his hope that Han Kang’s work will foster a profound encounter between French, European, and Korean literature and arts, opening new avenues for collaboration and artistic invention.
The extensive program also features works like “Muljil,” “Cuckoo,” “The History of Korean Western Theatre,” and “Haribo Kimchi.” Notably, “Cuckoo,” “The History of Korean Western Theatre,” and “Haribo Kimchi” are penned by the internationally renowned playwright Koo Ja-ha, distinguished as the first Asian recipient of the esteemed International Ibsen Award.
Taking place in the picturesque southern French city of Avignon from July 4-25, the festival’s decision to name Korean as its official guest language this year underscores the deepening cultural exchange and marks the 140th anniversary of robust diplomatic ties between South Korea and France. For those unable to attend in France, the Avignon Festival will extend its reach with an Asian debut in South Korea this October, as a special component of the Seoul Performing Arts Festival.
