'Entry and Exit Allowed During Performance'... National Theater Company Skapin Opens April 12

Flexible Theater Operation as an 'Open Seating' at Myeongdong Art Theater Until May 6

The National Theater Company announced on the 11th that the play "Scapin," which will be performed at Myeongdong Arts Theater from April 12 to May 6, will be presented as an "open seating" performance.

Open seating refers to performances where the theater environment is adjusted for people who are sensitive to sensory stimuli or have difficulty watching performances in rigid conditions, such as individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, the elderly, or children. Sensory stimuli such as lighting and sound are softened, and the venue is managed and operated so that sounds or movements caused by reactions to stimuli during the performance do not become barriers to enjoying the show.

Unlike typical performances, audience members are free to enter and exit during the show, and making sounds or moving around to some extent while watching is allowed. To help the audience comfortably adapt to the theater environment, entry times are moved earlier, and the house lights remain dim but not completely dark during the performance. Audience members may also bring comfort objects such as attachment dolls for psychological stability while watching.

Audience members who find it difficult to immediately understand the content or dialogue can preview the script in the first-floor lobby. Visualized performance materials using icons instead of text are also provided in advance. A stage model is installed in the first-floor lobby for a touch tour, and an audio guide about the performance can be listened to via a QR code installed alongside it.

[Photo by National Theater Company of Korea]

"Scapin" is based on the French playwright Moli?re's play "Les Fourberies de Scapin." Moli?re is regarded as France's representative playwright, much like Shakespeare is for England.

"Scapin" was produced by the National Theater Company and premiered domestically in 2019. At that time, it received critical acclaim, winning awards such as the 2019 Best 7 Performances of the Year by Monthly Korean Theater and the 56th Dong-A Theater Award for Stage Art. It was subsequently performed again in 2020 and 2022, establishing itself as a representative repertoire of the National Theater Company.

The play depicts the mischievous but lovable servant "Scapin," who helps two couples preserve true love against the arranged marriages between the families of "Argante" and "G?ronte," leading to a series of comedic events.

The National Theater Company announced that performances from April 12 to 15 will be accessibility shows. Sign language interpreters will follow the actors' movements to provide shadow sign language interpretation, and support such as audio description, Korean subtitles, and mobility assistance will also be available. Additionally, after the performance on April 21, a talk with the artist featuring director Lim Do-wan and all the cast members is scheduled.

After the run at Myeongdong Arts Theater (Seoul), "Scapin" will be performed at Andong Culture & Arts Center (May 16?17), Gyeongnam Culture & Arts Center (May 24?25), Gunpo Culture & Arts Center (May 31?June 1), and Hanam Culture & Arts Center (June 7?8).

Tickets for "Scapin" will be available for reservation starting on the 13th through the National Theater Company and Interpark websites. Paid members of the National Theater Company can make advance reservations from the 11th via the National Theater Company website.