National Theater Company of Korea Expands Regional Performances, Seeks Venues for Three Works Including "Manseon"

A new work tailored to regional venues, "Itgi Himdeun Saramdeul," also in development
Applications open through October 31 for registered theaters outside Seoul

The National Theater Company of Korea announced on October 12 that it is inviting applications from regional theaters to host performances in 2027, with applications open through October 31.

The program brings works by the National Theater Company of Korea to regional venues to expand local audiences' opportunities to see performances and narrow cultural gaps between regions. Three works of different scales and styles will be staged outside the capital region: "Itgi Himdeun Saramdeul" (working title), "The Story of Geumjo," and "Manseon." The company said it will increase the related budget next year compared with this year, lowering the share of performance fees paid by regional venues and expanding the number of performances.

"Itgi Himdeun Saramdeul" is a new work being developed for regional performances. Written by Japanese playwright Kaito Dohata, it will be adapted and directed by Kang Hyunju, who directed this year's play "Sasahan Seosa." Designed for small and medium-sized theaters with seating capacity of at least 200 but fewer than 500, the production is scheduled to tour four regions for a total of eight performances from June 8 to July 18 next year.

Kim Doyoung's "The Story of Geumjo" explores the possibilities of life and solidarity amid the sweeping history of the Korean War. Developed through the National Theater Company of Korea's "Creative Empathy: Playwright" project, it premiered at the Baek Seonghui Jang Minho Theater in 2022. Directed by Shin Jaehun, it will be staged in two regions for a total of four performances in July next year.

A scene from the 2021 production of "Manseon." National Theater Company of Korea

Cheon Seungse's "Manseon" won the National Theater's playwriting competition in 1964 and premiered with the National Theater Company of Korea. Newly staged in 2021 under the direction of Shim Jaech Chan, it has since become part of the company's repertoire. The production is notable for its staging, which recreates rain pouring down onto the stage and powerful waves. Adapted by Yoon Mihyeon and directed by Shim Jaech Chan, it will tour four regions for a total of eight performances in November and December next year.

Eligible applicants are theaters registered under Article 9 of the Public Performance Act; venues in Seoul are excluded. Selected theaters will pay only part of the performance fees, and all ticket revenue will go to the inviting organizations in the respective regions. Theaters that set aside some seats for people with limited access to cultural activities will receive preferential consideration in the evaluation.

Theaters wishing to participate can download an application form from the National Theater Company of Korea website and submit it, along with the theater registration certificate, stage layout, basic equipment list and other required documents, to the designated email address by October 31. The company plans to assess each application based on factors including the venue's ability to host the performances, such as stage size, the program's suitability and regional characteristics, and announce the results in the third week of November.

Park Jeonghee, head and artistic director of the National Theater Company of Korea, said, "We have carefully considered the circumstances of regional theaters, increased budget support and newly developed works tailored to small theaters." Park added, "We look forward to working with a diverse range of theaters across the country to bring the value of public art vividly to life on stage."

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