Renowned French director and choreographer Philippe Decoufle is set to bring his celebrated production “Shazam!” back to Korea. Known for his imaginative and multidisciplinary approach, Decoufle’s masterpiece will be performed at the LG Arts Center from October 25 to 27. This marks the first time in over two decades that the show returns to Korea, after its original performance at the Seoul Arts Center in 1999.
Created in 1998 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, “Shazam!” has become one of Decoufle’s signature works, performed over 200 times across major theaters worldwide. The performance is known for blending elements of dance, circus, and visual effects, creating a dynamic and immersive spectacle that challenges the boundaries of traditional theater.
Courtesy of LG Art Center
The audience will be introduced to the world of “Shazam!” from the moment they enter the LG Arts Center. The performance begins not on stage, but in the theater's lobby, where dancers dressed in vibrant costumes and wearing large orange furry hats lead a parade. The lively procession, accompanied by a live band playing drums and trumpets, draws the audience into the surreal, whimsical world Decoufle has crafted.
Throughout the 90-minute performance, dancers perform acrobatic movements reminiscent of a circus, seamlessly blending with visual effects such as mirrors and video projections. This creates moments where the line between reality and illusion is blurred, offering the audience a captivating, otherworldly experience.
Courtesy of LG Art Center
Notably, Decoufle himself will make a special appearance in the opening of the show, sharing the stage with Ye Hyo-seung, a Korean dancer who will serve as both interpreter and guest performer. This partnership highlights Decoufle’s interest in cross-cultural collaboration and adds a unique element to the Korean performances.
“Shazam!” has been restructured for this performance, incorporating new elements in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Decoufle’s DCA Company. The show remains true to Decoufle’s multidisciplinary vision, combining dance, theater, circus, mime, video, and design, all of which have defined his career. Decoufle is perhaps best known internationally for his work as the artistic director of the 1992 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Albertville, France, a display that further cemented his reputation as a visionary in the performing arts.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
Courtesy of LG Art Center
Renowned French director and choreographer Philippe Decoufle is set to bring his celebrated production “Shazam!” back to Korea. Known for his imaginative and multidisciplinary approach, Decoufle’s masterpiece will be performed at the LG Arts Center from October 25 to 27. This marks the first time in over two decades that the show returns to Korea, after its original performance at the Seoul Arts Center in 1999.
Created in 1998 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, “Shazam!” has become one of Decoufle’s signature works, performed over 200 times across major theaters worldwide. The performance is known for blending elements of dance, circus, and visual effects, creating a dynamic and immersive spectacle that challenges the boundaries of traditional theater.
Courtesy of LG Art Center
The audience will be introduced to the world of “Shazam!” from the moment they enter the LG Arts Center. The performance begins not on stage, but in the theater's lobby, where dancers dressed in vibrant costumes and wearing large orange furry hats lead a parade. The lively procession, accompanied by a live band playing drums and trumpets, draws the audience into the surreal, whimsical world Decoufle has crafted.
Throughout the 90-minute performance, dancers perform acrobatic movements reminiscent of a circus, seamlessly blending with visual effects such as mirrors and video projections. This creates moments where the line between reality and illusion is blurred, offering the audience a captivating, otherworldly experience.
Courtesy of LG Art Center
Notably, Decoufle himself will make a special appearance in the opening of the show, sharing the stage with Ye Hyo-seung, a Korean dancer who will serve as both interpreter and guest performer. This partnership highlights Decoufle’s interest in cross-cultural collaboration and adds a unique element to the Korean performances.
“Shazam!” has been restructured for this performance, incorporating new elements in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Decoufle’s DCA Company. The show remains true to Decoufle’s multidisciplinary vision, combining dance, theater, circus, mime, video, and design, all of which have defined his career. Decoufle is perhaps best known internationally for his work as the artistic director of the 1992 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Albertville, France, a display that further cemented his reputation as a visionary in the performing arts.
