Ansan to Host Theater Festival Commemorating the Sewol Ferry Disaster
A theater festival will be held in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, in April to remember the victims of the Sewol Ferry disaster and address broader societal issues. The event, organized by the 4/16 Foundation, will feature nine different productions staged across multiple venues in the city from April 4th to April 26th.
Expanding Themes and Spaces
This year’s festival aims to broaden its scope by exploring themes of life, safety, memory, and solidarity through various theatrical performances. The festival will utilize diverse spaces throughout Ansan, including the Gyeonggi Museum of Art, Ansan Arts Center’s Byeolmuri Theater, Bonomaru Small Theater, and areas within the Gojan-dong village.
Featured Performances
The opening ceremony, scheduled for April 4th at 2 p.m. At the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art auditorium, will showcase “People of Yellow Light” by the 4/16 Family Theater Company Yellow Ribbon. This performance features participation from families directly impacted by the Sewol Ferry disaster and is expected to convey both the sorrow and hope experienced over the past twelve years.
Throughout the festival, a variety of productions will be presented:
- Jena Jalquandari by Creative Group Gom: Depicts life against the backdrop of a Jeju country house.
- It’s Okay! Jeong Sook-ah by Theater Company Living Together: Focuses on independence and dignity for individuals with disabilities.
- Road to School by Neighborhood Theater Company: A mobile play experienced while walking through the alleys of Gojan-dong village.
- Picnic to the Sea by Yechangjakdaham: Explores the pain and solidarity of families left behind after the disaster.
- What is the temperature of death for you? by creative arts group Bonui: Offers consolation at the intersection of life and death.
Student Involvement
Students from Seoul Institute of the Arts and Korea National University of Arts will contribute a novel section called “April Reading Play,” presenting their perspectives on the Sewol Ferry disaster through their artistic creations.
Closing Ceremony and Details
The festival will conclude on April 26th at 4 p.m. At the Ansan Arts Center’s Byeolmuri Theater with a performance of “Ghostdamnangdoglub” by NeverEnding Play.
Admission to all performances is free. Reservations and detailed schedules can be found on the 4/16 Foundation website and through Naver by searching for ‘April Theater Festival.’
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