National Asian Cultural Center of Korea (ACC) presents stories of Urban Culture this Season

Having the context of artistically sublimating the significance of the May 18 Democratic Movement’s human rights and peace as its point of departure, the six performances presented at ACC this May and Jun focuses on contemporary issues about humanity and Asia.  

I Was Not with Them in Gwangju (Photo credit: ACC)

I Was Not with Them in Gwangju (15 – 18 May) is an immersive play which was premiered in 2019 to commemorate and honour the uprising in 1980. Even though hundreds were sacrificed at that time, people in 2024 would never feel their burning hearts. This play will make audiences think about free will. 

Table of Whisper (Photo credit: ACC)

Fine Dining (Photo credit: ACC)

Table of Whisper (21 – 22 Jun) is a contemporary dance about Honbaab: eating alone phenomena. In many societies, eating together is not just an act of feeding but also a communication or even a ritual. However, countries worldwide are experiencing shrinking populations, particularly so in Korea and other Asian countries. This production would like to talk about living together or being alone. 

Fine Dining (28 – 29 Jun) is a lecture/drama about disappearing things. As time goes on, many things are standing out and fading away. This is a dedication to the past that once made our lives abundant and plentiful.  

Laughing Dragon – Original Book of Mirhai’s Torn Book (Picture credit: Lee Eunji)

Original Book of Looking for Shureya (Picture credit: CHO Wonhee)

To celebrate the annual Children’s Day which started in 1922, three plays for children and family await our audiences. In 2024, the Year of Dragon, two different dragons welcome you. 

Imugi (4 – 5 May) is a Korean mythical serpent-like creature who has failed to become a dragon after training for 1000 years. “Alright. I couldn’t evolve into a dragon. But have I failed myself? It’s OK to stay your way.” 

Mirhai’s Torn Book (4 – 6 May) is based on Turkmen story about a little dragon who cannot spout flames but blows out flowers. “You don’t have follow the way others would do. Be yourself.” 

Looking for Shureya (11 – 12 May) is a puppet show based on Azerbaijan story about war and missing family and friends. Many kinds of wars are everywhere. What should we seek in this world? 

For more information, please visit https://www.acc.go.kr/en