Seoul's DMZ Theatre and Mediacity Biennale Explore Escapism and Division

At MMCA Seoul, 'DMZ Theatre' is being showcased until October 3, created by photographer Jung Yeondoo and director Surya. This project reimagines the 13 observatories of the Korean demilitarized zone as theatrical stages, inviting the audience to become the only actors looking northward. It features installations and performances that share histories, folktales, and personal narratives, emphasizing the DMZ's evolution into a sanctuary for wildlife after human absence. Simultaneously, the 11th Seoul Mediacity Biennale, titled 'One Escape at a Time,' runs until November 21. Curated by Yung Ma, it presents artists like Bani Abidi and Eisa Jocson, framing escapism as a constructive tool for exploring new realities and addressing power structures. Initially set for 2020, the biennale redefines escapism as a vital response rather than mere avoidance.