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The 23rd BIPAF: From AI battles to street-level showmanship

source: BIPAF

From May 9 to 17, the 23rd Busan International Performing Arts Festival returns with a packed lineup of global and local performances. Held across major venues in the city, this year’s festival explores the theme “Difference and Repetition,” highlighting how the same story can unfold in new ways on every stage.

The festival opens on May 9 at 6 p.m. with a showing of “AlphaGo_Lee: Theory of Sacrifice” at the Busan Cinema Center’s Haneulyeon Theatre. Presented by Poland’s Studio Teatrgaleria, the production is inspired by the landmark 2016 Go match between Sedol Lee and AlphaGo, an artificial intelligence system developed by Google. As society becomes increasingly driven by AI algorithms, the performance raises an important question: What are we giving up in the name of convenience?

The National Theatre Budapest will close the festival on May 17 at 6 p.m. with a performance of “Merry-Go-Round” at Haneulyeon Theatre. Based on the 1956 film of the same name, the performance combines Hungarian folk dance and live music to depict rural life and social dynamics. Beneath its lively rhythms, it explores the tension between individual desire and community expectations.

As always, BIPAF offers the chance to experience a wide range of performance styles, formats, and perspectives. “K-Stage” spotlights Korean productions, while “Global Networks” features international performance art troupes. Meanwhile, “Dynamic Street” transforms public spaces into stages where audiences can witness amazing juggling and acrobatic acts. For those looking to more actively participate, “10-Minute Open Play” invites people to share their stories and talents with audiences.

※ The 23rd Busan International Performing Arts Festival (BIPAF), May 9 to 17

◎ Website: Click 

◎ Ticketing Guide: Click