Eun-Me Ahn's Post-Orientalist Express Premieres at Romaeuropa Festival 2026
During the Romaeuropa Festival 2026, Teatro Argentina hosted the national debut of Post-Orientalist Express, presented by Eun-Me Ahn. This innovative piece critiques traditional views of the East, showcasing a dynamic blend of pop and rhythm. Collaboratively developed with Geun-Jun Changwoo-Michael Lim, it draws on Edward Said's analysis of Orientalism, offering a post-Orientalist lens. Ahn leads a group of nine performers who steer clear of folkloric imitation. The performance features a variety of Asian elements, symbolizing transit and modernity. Strobe lighting by Jinyoung Jang shifts time perception, while costumes designed by Ahn and Yunkwan Design display optical motifs. Young-Gyu Jang's sound design and Taeseok Lee's media work treat sound as an independent entity. The premiere took place from 24 to 15 September 2026.
Key facts
- Eun-Me Ahn's Post-Orientalist Express had its national premiere at Teatro Argentina for Romaeuropa Festival 2026.
- The work was created with dramaturgy by Geun-Jun Changwoo-Michael Lim.
- It draws on Edward Said's deconstruction of Orientalism, adopting a post-Orientalist perspective.
- Nine performers appear on stage, led by Eun-Me Ahn.
- Lighting design is by Jinyoung Jang; costumes by Eun-Me Ahn and Yunkwan Design.
- Sound architecture is by Young-Gyu Jang; media interventions by Taeseok Lee.
- Performances ran from 24 to 15 September 2026 (as listed).
- The piece incorporates materials from Asian geographies, including contemporary metropolises and ancient rituals.
Entities
Artists
- Eun-Me Ahn
- Geun-Jun Changwoo-Michael Lim
- Edward Said
- Pina Bausch
- Jinyoung Jang
- Yunkwan Design
- Young-Gyu Jang
- Taeseok Lee
- Lidia De Nuzzo
- Carlotta Zambelli
- Cosimo Trimboli
Institutions
- Romaeuropa Festival
- Teatro Argentina
- Arshake
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Korea
- New York
- United States
Sources
- Arshake —