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The BeSeTo Theatre Festival was jointly established by theatrical institutions from China, South Korea, and Japan in July 1994. The initiative originated from a proposal by Kim Uikyung, then President of the ITI Korean Centre. Its name is derived from the first two letters of the English names of the three countries' capitals: Beijing (China), Seoul (South Korea), and Tokyo (Japan). Since its inaugural edition in Seoul (1994), the festival has been held annually in strict rotation: South Korea, Japan, China.

As Asia's longest-running transnational theatre festival, BeSeTo has showcased over 200 productions across 29 editions. It serves as a premier stage for East Asian theatrical diversity, featuring traditional forms (e.g., Chinese opera, Korean pansori) alongside contemporary experimental works. Here, theatre artists from the three countries can fully present their unique theatrical styles, share creative experiences, and promote the development of theatrical art. At the same time, the festival has also enhanced understanding and cultural exchanges among the people of the three countries, allowing the cultures of the three countries to blend on the theatrical stage, shining brilliantly, and becoming an important bridge connecting the cultures of the three countries.

Shining Friends is a light-hearted contemporary comedy musical inspired by the melodies of Liuzhou’s traditional Caidiao opera Liu Sanjie, weaving in rich cultural elements of Liuzhou. Highlighting universal themes of friendship, growth, freedom, and joy, the production invites you to enjoy its infectious music and humor.

Kunqu Opera “Three Phantoms in the Bamboo Grove” is adapted from “In a Grove”, a novel by Japanese writer Ryūnosuke Akutagawa. Staying true to the core essence of the original work, this work has been reimagined through the lens of Chinese culture and the aesthetics of Kunqu opera. The rich stylized conventions of the art form externalize the character’s intricate inner worlds. At the same time, “Three Phantoms in the Bamboo Grove” marks a bold step forward for small-theater Kunqu practice, offering an innovative and pioneering work that bridges Chinese and global artistic expression.

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Hello. I’m Yoon Hansol, Artistic Director of the BeSeTo Committee South Korea.

I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations on the upcoming BeSeTo Theater Festival, set to take place in Tottori in 2025.

I also want to express my deep respect to all the artists who are working hard to create their pieces and will be performing on stage.

This year, the BeSeTo Committee South Korea will present two works: Rosetta and The Time Painter.

Rosetta is based on the true story of Rosetta Sherwood Hall, an American doctor who devoted her life to medicine and education in Korea.

With quiet yet profound emotion, the piece portrays her selfless dedication in a foreign land. Born from a single diary, the story invites us to reflect on the meaning of love and sacrifice – values that resonate across generations.

The Time Painter is an original play that portrays the events surrounding the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Office, the final battleground of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, through the perspective of one family.

Using object theatre with white paper, the play creates a dreamlike stage space where memory, reality, and dreams blend, intertwining a family’s story with the tragedy of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

I believe that both works transcend language and cultural differences to deeply resonate with the hearts of all who see them.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this festival, brought to life with sweat and dedication during the hot summer months. Finally, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the BeSeTo Committee Japan for their efforts in making this event possible.