Organizers announced nine Korean works have been officially invited to the Avignon Festival in France this July, marking the first time Korean productions receive such an invitation to one of the world's most prestigious annual performing arts festivals. Nobel laureate Han Kang's novel 'We Do Not Part' features in a highlight lecture-performance. French actress Isabelle Huppert and Korean actress Lee Hye-young will perform excerpts.
Organizers announced on April 10 that nine Korean works have been officially invited to the 80th Avignon Festival, running from July 4 to 25 in France. This marks the first official invitation for Korean productions to the renowned annual performing arts festival. The event has designated Korean as its official guest language this year to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France.
A highlight is the lecture-performance 'Oiseau' based on Nobel laureate Han Kang's novel 'We Do Not Part,' which depicts the tragedy of the April 3 Jeju massacre. French actress Isabelle Huppert and Korean actress Lee Hye-young will read the first chapter at the Cour d'honneur in Avignon on July 15 and 16. Han Kang will meet readers on July 12, with further schedule details pending.
Other selected Korean productions include '1 Degree Celsius,' 'Island Story,' 'Kin: Yeonhee Project I,' 'Muljil,' and 'Snow, Snow, Snow.' Playwright Koo Ja-ha, the first Asian recipient of the International Ibsen Award, will present 'Cuckoo,' 'Haribo Kimchi,' and 'The History of Korean Western Theatre.'
The festival will make its Asian debut in South Korea as part of the Seoul Performing Arts Festival from October 10 to 15.
