Highlights from the 36th Geochang International Theater Festival
Enjoying the performances at the Geochang International Theater Festival in beautiful Susungdae!
Hello, I am reporter Lee Won-pil from the Geochang Public Relations Reporter Group.
The largest outdoor theater festival in South Korea, held at the tourist attraction Susungdae in Geochang-gun, is a prominent cultural brand in the domestic performing arts scene!
Under the slogan [Free Immersion, Sweet Imagination], the 36th Geochang International Theater Festival took place from July 31 to August 9, showcasing performances from 50 domestic and international groups with a total of 78 shows.
This year, I gathered some of the performances I experienced at the festival.
During the day, visitors enjoy water activities in the cool Susungdae valley, creating a lively atmosphere. After cooling off, they head to the outdoor theater in the evening to watch performances.
Thanks to special discounts for local residents, I was able to enjoy the shows at an even lower price. As a theater lover, I visited the Susungdae performance venue every day.
Opening Performance: Su Company - The Dream of the Elderly
Date: July 31 (Fri) 20:00 / Venue: Turtle Theater
Genre: Play / Age: 8 and up / Running time: 110 minutes
The Dream of the Elderly, which won the National Brand Award at the 2026 New York Festival, reflects on dreams, love, and family in the lives of the elderly. It conveys the message that even as we age, the desire to dream remains alive.
The deep performances by renowned actors such as Son Suk, Lee Il-hwa, Park Ji-il, and Lee Pil-mo were impressive, with their subtle expressions and dialogues resonating with the audience.
There were moments of laughter shared with the audience, and scenes discussing life and dreams that tugged at the heartstrings. It beautifully opened the festival.
International Performance: Japan / Shizuoka Performing Arts Center - Othello
Date: August 1 (Sat), August 2 (Sun) 20:00 / Venue: Festival Theater
Genre: Drama / Age: 12 and up / Running time: 75 minutes
This Japanese drama begins with a pilgrim from Venice who arrives at a Cypriot port while traveling through the Mediterranean. The story unfolds as he becomes curious about the island after witnessing local women singing Venetian songs.
As the tale of Othello and Desdemona unfolds, their intense love, built on misunderstanding and trust, ultimately leads to tragedy. The performance asks profound questions about love, faith, and the essence of human relationships.
The actors' movements, expressions, and gazes created a vibrant stage, making emotions of love, jealousy, and betrayal come alive.
Official Performance: Geun-dul Theater - Wild Rose
Date: August 1 (Sun) 20:00 / Venue: Turtle Theater
Genre: Madangnori (Traditional Korean Play) / Age: 5 and up / Running time: 60 minutes
Wild Rose delivers a message about the importance of mental and physical health through the lens of family love and nostalgia for one's hometown, all while engaging the audience in lively movements.
As the festival continued, I experienced a variety of performances that touched on different themes and emotions, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Susungdae.
In the end, the festival was a reminder of the power of theater to inspire joy and reflection in both children and adults alike.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/geochanggun/224380605780
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