Art and Culture

It's finally Friday and many of you may have already planned your weekend outings. But for those of you who are still in need of a few ideas, our Michelle Kim is here with suggestions for some fun arts and culture events.

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Hello Michelle

[Reporter : ] Hello Conn-young

So what do you have for us[Reporter : ] Today I have two things from the theater. There is a musical adaptation of a classic novel and a festival that brings works from the global stage to Seoul. Take a look.

Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" was first made into a musical on Broadway in 2007.
Now, it comes to Seoul to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Dickens' birth. The show continues at Chungmu Art Hall through October 7th.
Like the novel on what it is based, the musical tells the story of a young man who is skeptical of high society Paris and moves to London. He seems to have found a good life, with a person he loves and a stable lifestyle, but the false accusation that he is a spy and the revolution in France lead him back to his home country.
The musical is presented on a grand scale, with a spectacular set and a stellar cast that includes a mix of veteran actors like Ryu Jung-han and Lee Jung-hwa and a host of rising stars like Kai and Lim Hae-young.
The National Theater's largest international performing arts festival brings 15 plays from 5 countries to its World Festival of National Theaters through October 28th.
The program includes "Black Watch" from England, "Raise the Red Lantern" from China and "Antigone" from Turkey, as well as several works from Korean theater companies.

It sounds like the festival will be a great way to see a lot of different styles of plays. Can you tell us more about it[Reporter : ] Well, The World Festival of National Theaters will be showing in different venues of the National Theater of Korea. and the prices for the shows range from 20,000 won for the cheapest seats and up to 100,000 won for the most expensive seats. If you go to the National Theater of Korea website, there will be more specific details on each of the shows.

I will definitely check that out after this show. And now switching gears, you have film updates for us[Reporter : ] I have three more film previews for you today. The German documentary "Pina" is in theaters in Korea and there are two action/thriller sequels set to hit theaters later in the month. Take a look.

The German documentary "Pina" captures the life and work of the late modern dance legend Pina Bausch in an expansive 3-D film created largely after her death in 2009. Bausch is famous for creating a completely new genre of dance, mixing movement with theater to produce provcative works that are often cinematic in look and feel. Directed by Wim Wenders , the film captures four of Bausch's most famous works, interspersing the footage with interviews with members of her company. Begun as a collaboration betwen director and choreographer, the film exists as a homage to one of the most influential choreographers of her time.
Mila Jovovitch will serve as the heroine of the "Resident Evil" series once again, playing for the fifth time the human race's last and only hope for saving the world from the undead.
The film is set in Tokyo, New York and Moscow, and was shot in 3-D. It opens in Korea on September 13th.
Hollywood star Liam Neeson will visit Korea to promote his latest film, "Taken 2", the sequel to the 2008 thriller.
Neeson will once again face some intense and heart pumping action as he goes on a mission to save another member of his family -- his wife.
The film opens in Korea on September 27th.

These action films will have audiences on the edge of their seats, while the documentary about Pina Bausch will leave viewers in awe of the artistry of the choreographer, her extaordinary dancers and the director that brought her work to the big screen.

It looks like there's a lot to look forward to this month. I feel like I will be spending a lot of time in the movie theater.

[Reporter : ] I feel the same way. The documentary is a great way to see and learn about the kinds of dance that Pina Bausch created, but it's not just for dance fans. Shot by an acclaimed director using unconventional methods, it will also appeal to film buffs. The film is also a human story about a woman and the challenges she faced to do what she loved.
If, however, you simply want to be entertained, "Resident Evil 5" and "Taken 2" are likely to please. The cast and storlines of both films have already proven successful so they're not likely tto disappoint.

I have no doubt that these films will be successful at the box office, though I don't think "Resident Evil" will be my cup of tea. But I can't wait to see the other two.
And now, you have the events bulletin for us, right[Reporter : ] Yes I do. Today I have three concerts for you starting with a 16-concert engagement for Thomas Cook in Daehangno that starts today. Tomorrow, all the popular musicians from the 90s and early 2000s will perform in Anyang, and lastly, Kenny Rogers will be coming to Korea on October to perform his greatest hits. Here are the details.

[Reporter : ed: jenny]
Singer songwriter Jung Soon-yong will play a small venue called Hak Chon Blue Small Theater in Daehangno, performing under the name Thomas Cook, which is the name he uses for his solo project. The engagement continues for 16 days from September 7th to the 23rd.

Later in the month, popular artists from the 90s and early 2000s will come together for a concert called "Youth Night". The show features Kim Gun-mo, Kim Jong-guk, DJ D.O.C., Tak Jae-hoon, Cool, and Goofy and will be held on September 8th at the Anyang Indoor Gymnasium.

Singer Kenny Rogers has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide and had more than 25 number-one-songs, including "Lucille", "Elvira" and "The Gambler". He will be coming to Korea on October 26th for a concert at Olympic Park's Olympic Hall.

Thank you for the update

[Reporter : ] My pleasure

Reporter : dainee@arirang.co.kr