The National Theater of Korea is expanding the way audiences experience live performance, partnering with CGV to bring some of its most celebrated productions to movie theaters this summer.
The Cinema Tour series transforms the cinema into an extension of the theater, presenting professionally filmed stage productions on the big screen as part of the National Theater's The Closest National Theater project, an initiative aimed at making the performing arts more accessible to the public.
The program opens on Aug. 4 with Farewell My Concubine, the National Changgeuk Company's acclaimed production that sold out during its original run. Reinterpreting the legendary tale of Xiang Yu and Consort Yu through the expressive language of changgeuk, the screening will be followed by a conversation featuring company members Lee Yeon-joo and Lee Gwang-bok alongside cast members Kim Junsu and Jeong Bo-gwon.
On Aug. 11, audiences can experience The Book of the Dead by the National Dance Company of Korea. Inspired by the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the production visualizes the soul's 49-day passage after death through contemporary Korean dance, music and multimedia staging. Artistic Director Kim Jong-deok joins dancers Jang Hyun-soo and Park So-young for a post-screening discussion.
The final event, on Aug. 18, features Entongi's Children's Songs Land 2, a family-friendly concert that introduces beloved Korean children's songs through traditional Korean music. Led by the National Theater's mascot Entongi, the performance is designed to give young audiences an engaging first encounter with gugak during the summer holidays.
Beyond simply screening performances, Cinema Tour is intended to broaden access to the performing arts while creating new ways for audiences to engage with artists. Each screening concludes with a live guest talk, offering insights into the productions and their creative process.
"We hope these conversations will help audiences connect more deeply with each production," a National Theater official said. "We also hope the series becomes an inviting entry point to the performing arts while creating meaningful crossover between theatergoers and movie audiences."
Cinema Tour runs every Tuesday from Aug. 4 to Aug. 18 at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall. All screenings are free with advance registration.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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