ASSITEJ Korea, an international agency that promotes theater and literacy amongst young people, is holding their 23rd annual Summer Festival. Under this year’s theme of “Raise a Reader,” thirteen troupes from nine different countries are performing. While the performances have appropriate ages listed on them (many of them for ages four to five plus), some are clearly for children at heart of all ages. Take for instance “Giraffes,” a street theater performance at Marronnier Park happening for free July 24 to 26. Who doesn’t wanna see two giraffes walking around and recreating the savannah for unsuspecting spectators? Other performances, like a clowninterpretation of Don Quixote by company Play of Art 21 are perfect introductions to fiction for small children. It’s a great opportunity for those who don’t speak Korean but still want to get a taste of theater here. Pantomimteatern (winner of
the Best Mime Play at Stockholm Mime Festival in 2011) will be enacting the relationship between a scruffy gentleman and a boy called Charlie’s Boy. You can also catch a non-verbal puppet show called Dallae’s Story, set during the Korean War in the 1950s. (After all, you don’t need language skills if there’s no speaking involved.) ASSITEJ states its vision as “helping young people to find their place and voice in society.” Part of the proceeds from this event go to help buy books for children in Laos.