Seniors take the stage to sing of life and hope

The 2nd Seoul Senior Musical Festa, selected for the Seoul Metropolitan Government's private festival support project for the second consecutive year, will be held at Mapo Arts Center on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Themed "Sing Again," the event was organized to expand seniors' participation in culture and the arts and to foster communication across generations. Seniors themselves will take the spotlight on stage, expressing their lives and experiences through art.

The festival has earned recognition as a participatory cultural event that goes beyond a simple performance, capturing the challenges, passion and personal stories of older adults.

The Mapo-gu Senior Musical Dance Team and senior theater company Hearim Company will perform at the event, presenting two productions — "Cha Cha Cha Together" and "The Restaurant That Forgot Its Orders." The works explore aging, dementia, family bonds and the restoration of social ties, carrying messages that society as a whole must confront.

Singer Nam Jin will make a special appearance during the show, adding to the entertainment on offer.

An organizer said the event is "a meaningful stage where seniors participate as the driving force of cultural and artistic activity, expressing their lives and continuing to pursue new challenges." The organizer added that they hope it will grow into a leading cultural festival that "breathes vitality into the lives of older generations and expands empathy and communication across age groups."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government continues to identify and support outstanding privately led cultural festivals, working to broaden citizens' access to culture and invigorate the local arts ecosystem.