BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Centuries-old Korean music and dances will kick off the first Korean Cultural Week tonight at Katara Opera House.
A 30-member troupe from Seoul-based National Gugak Center (NGC) is in Doha to present traditional Korean performing arts at the opening night of the 12-day celebration which also consists of film screenings and an art exhibition.
The NGC, formerly called National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, is the governing body established to preserve and promote traditional Korean performing arts.
“The event is held on the occasion of Korean National Day and a prelude to the celebration of 40th year of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Korea next year,” said Korean Ambassador Keejong Chung at the press conference yesterday at Katara. A collaboration between Katara and the Korean Embassy, the cultural programme is being held to expose the multi-cultural community here to the rich culture and heritage of Korea and boost the relations between the two countries in the field of culture. Ambassador Chung expressed confidence in further strengthening diplomatic ties in areas such as information technology, science and culture.
Dr Khalid Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, said organizing the Korean Cultural Week is aimed at showcasing Korean history and civilization and building strong communication bridges between the two countries and their friendly people. It is a vital part of Katara’s objectives to strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation with various diplomatic missions here, he said.
“We are eager to benefit from experiences of artists because Katara has already become a meeting point of cultures from around the world,” he added.
Darwish Ahmed, Director of Marketing and International Affairs at Katara lauded the distinct culture and heritage of Korea uniquely expressed by its people in creative ways including fine arts, literature, dance, music and cinema among others. A varied collection of 50 artworks by Korean artists would be displayed at an art expo set to provide a glimpse of Korean landscapes, architecture and various aspects of Korean way of life. It will be on view until October 19 at Building 19.
Popular Korean movies will also be screened for free at the Katara Drama Theatre tomorrow and on Thursday. Animated films Oseam and Green Days would be screened at 9am tomorrow and on Thursday, respectively. Take Off (October 9) and Le Grand Chef 2 (October 10) will be shown at 7pm.
The Peninsula
