Hello, I’m Min. Thank you so much for stopping by. I communicate my deepest thoughts in the form of performing arts, and I’d love your help with something dear to my heart. I’ve been working on this project for a while, and the time has finally come to make this happen! (Long Korean translation below, so please don’t mind the long scroll to “The Project”)
I’d like to bring a Korean theater production <Leodo: The Paradise> by MARO from South Korea to Seattle this June to transport you to a place where you’ve never been before. Not a fan of live performances, especially cultural performances? Wait, wait. Please stay. Read on and let MARO change that for you.
MARO is an internationally acclaimed seven-member theater troupe from the Hawaii of South Korea called Jeju Island, and they’ve been mesmerizing the audience members at the Edinburg Fringe Festival, THE world’s largest arts festival in the U.K., for the past three years with their production <Leodo: The Paradise>.
They tell a metaphorical tale of the cycle of renewal, personified by a female diver who goes to work but gets caught in an ocean undertow. She comes face to face with the Sea God who helps her to leave her sorrow and regret in this world and prepares her to enter the island of paradise. This energetic and multi-talented group creates an enthralling atmosphere and conjours “Leodo” as a fantasy island treasured by the people of Jeju through an irresistibly kinetic and divine performance. Display of sheer athletic grace combined with musical prowess featuring traditional and contemporary Korean drumming, singing, and dancing – all included. You just have to experience it for yourself.
“Ten Unmissable Shows in Edinburgh Fringe 2013” – The Culture Trip
“C Venue’s Top 10 Shows in Edinburgh Fringe 2014” – C Venue
“50 Highlighting Productions of Edinburgh Fringe 2015” – Female Arts Magazine
“Selected as an Invitation Show for Museum After Hours 2014-15” – National Museum of Scotland
“Amazing high-octane drumming and dance from Korea. Nothing else like it.” – Huffington Post
“Talented seven-member ensemble never flags in energy, choreographic skill or audience engagement.” – The Stage
“A great example of why one would come to the Fringe.” – British Theater Guide
My Father.
This was the heartfelt conversation that my father and I shared shortly before he passed away from stomach cancer on May 11th, 2013.
Honey, what is your dream?
Papa, I just want to spread kindness, beauty, and inspiration.
And how will you do that?
In every way I can, in honor of you and Mama. That will be my life purpose.
Could you be more specific?
Performing art events. I will create them to reflect your contribution to the world. There are 29 years worth of stories and memories of you inside of me that made me certain – really certain, like an instinct – that I should. I love you, Papa. The world is so much better with you in it. Please don’t go…please?
If that’s your dream, Honey, I want you to start humbly from the bottom even if you’re paid in peanuts. Learn as much as you can and don’t give up. There won’t be security in your dreams, so prepare yourself for that. Your dreams may never be respected, understood, nor fully realized – I don’t quite understand it myself, but I want you to make your dream a verb. Live an honest life, Little Min, even if you fail. I see the ocean in your eyes.
After my father’s passing, I found myself in the heart of New York and started from the bottom as a Performing Arts intern at a Korean cultural firm where I took an active role in debuting MARO. It was then that I knew I had to invite them to Seattle.
My father taught me that to be human is to live with meaning, and I’d like to add value in this world by presenting MARO’s <Leodo: The Paradise> that reminds us that we’re all just souls and dreams. Also, why not?
Each dollar from your generous donation will be stretched, and all expenditures will be carefully recorded for transparency. The funds breakdown is as follows:
• ARTISTS FEE & CREATIVE TEAM
• ACCOMODATION & TRANSPORTATION
• REHEARSAL SPACE & VENUE RENTAL
• LABOR, STAGE CREW & TECHNICAL STAFF
• PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT RENTAL
• BUSINESS LICENSE & INSURANCE (it’s required by law!)
• GRAPHIC DESIGN, PRINT & DISTRIBUTION
• KICKSTARTER & CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES
• REWARDS