Island Story at Avignon Festival: Korean Theatre of Memory

At the 80th Festival d'Avignon, Korean director Kyung-Sung Lee presents 'Island Story', a theatre piece about the Jeju Uprising of April 3, 1948, when police killed thousands of protesters commemorating the end of Japanese colonialism. The work is based on testimonies from descendants of victims, and was developed collectively with Na Kyung-min, Jang Sung-ic, Sung Soo-Yeon, and Bae So-hyun. Performed at the Gymnase du Lycée Aubanel from July 4 to 6, 2026, the 1h50 piece avoids spectacle and pathos, using a minimalist aesthetic with set design by Shin Seung-ryul. The production employs video projections, earth, and objects to evoke an archaeological excavation, allowing the dead to resurface after 70 years. The five actors serve as transmitters of stories rather than psychological characters, maintaining emotional restraint. The review notes that while the piece impresses with its intelligence and delicacy, its constant reserve may create distance, leaving the audience with a sense of contained emotion. The work is praised for its poetic power and respect for the documentary material, offering a rare theatrical experience that prioritizes listening over spectacle.