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Korean works officially invited for first time to prestigious Avignon Festival

Published: 10 Apr. 2026, 11:23 Updated: 12 Apr. 2026, 15:24

A representative presents the program of the 80th Avignon Festival in Paris on April 9. [YONHAP]

Nine Korean works have been officially invited to perform at the Avignon Festival in France this July, organizers said, marking the first time Korean productions have received an official invitation to one of the world's most prestigious annual performing arts festivals.

Among the highlights, Nobel laureate Han Kang's novel “We Do Not Part” (2021) will be presented at a lecture-performance titled “Oiseau” at the Cour d'Honneur in Avignon on July 15 and 16. French actor Isabelle Huppert and Korean actor Lee Hye-young will read the first chapter of the novel, which depicts the tragedy of the Jeju April 3 Uprising.

Before the event, Han will meet with readers on July 12. The rest of the author's schedule has yet to be announced.

Other Korean productions selected include “1 Degree Celsius” (2025), “Island Story” (2022), “KIN: Yeonhee Project I” (2021), “Muljil” (2018) and “Snow, Snow, Snow” (2025).

Additionally, playwright Koo Ja-ha, the first Asian recipient of the prestigious International Ibsen Award, will present three works: “Cuckoo” (2017), “Haribo Kimchi” (2024) and “The History of Korean Western Theatre” (2020).

The festival, which runs from July 4 to 25, has designated Korean as its official guest language this year to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France. Notably, the festival will make its Asia debut in Korea as part of the Seoul Performing Arts Festival, which will take place from Oct. 10 to 15.

Yonhap