[October 22 (Wed) 6:30 PM Opera with Commentary Chunhyang’s Great Escape]
Running Time: 96 minutesThe Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (Director Haedon Lee), in collaboration with the Seoul Arts Center (SAC), announced that it will screen the opera 'Chunhyang's Great Escape' on October 22 at Ari Hall on the Center’s third floor, as part of the “Seoul Arts Center Series: Performing Arts Content Screenings in Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Korea’s Liberation.”This event marks the second installment of the Seoul Arts Center Series. 'Chunhyang's Great Escape' reimagines one of Korea’s most beloved classic characters, presenting her story in a fresh and contemporary light. The opera offers a witty, humorous, and modern reinterpretation of the timeless Chunhyangjeon, transforming the familiar tale into a playful “next-generation” version.
Unlike traditional operas performed in foreign languages, 'Chunhyang's Great Escape' is sung entirely in Korean, allowing audiences to focus more deeply on the story itself. As with the aria “So What If It’s Old-Fashioned,” sung by Hyangdan and Bangja, the work’s clever lines and humorous lyrics delivered with charming melodies invite laughter and highlight the opera’s irresistible appeal. Set in Namwon, Jeolla Province during the Joseon Dynasty, the opera also embraces the region’s rich dialect, adding lively authenticity and local color to the performance.
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With a brisk 90-minute runtime and no intermission, the production offers an enjoyable, accessible experience even for those who may find traditional opera lengthy or difficult to follow.
The stage design promises a creative blend of tradition and modernity featuring minimalist and symbolic props, alongside costumes that reflect the grace of Joseon-era aesthetics with a contemporary flair. Through these visuals, audiences will be transported to the vibrant spring scenery of Namwon in full bloom.
Before the screening, mezzo-soprano Joo Won Chae, currently pursuing her doctoral studies at USC, will provide an introduction and commentary on the opera.

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