On August 29, 2024, Saejowi successfully concluded the final performance of its unification education theater, "Hope," marking the end of an impactful series of performances. This tour, spanning nearly three months, brought thought-provoking plays to various schools across South Korea and the Gyeonggi-do region, emphasizing the importance of North and South Korean unification and shedding light on the human rights situation in North Korea.
The "Hope" theater program was not merely an artistic endeavor; it was a platform for educating young South Koreans about the harsh realities faced by their counterparts in North Korea. Through these performances, students were given a glimpse into the daily struggles of North Korean youth, the challenges of resettlement for escapees, and the broader implications of unification on the Korean peninsula.
This recent tour builds on the momentum Saejowi gained earlier in July 2024, when it launched another significant production titled "Small Happiness" (작은 행복). Sponsored by the Ministry of Unification and hosted by Saejowi under the leadership of CEO Shin Mi-nyeo, "Small Happiness" was dedicated to highlighting the pressing issue of human rights in North Korea. The play made its debut at Yongsan Middle School in Daegu on July 2, 2024, followed by a performance at Iri Dong Middle School in Iksan on July 3, 2024. Over the course of the month, the production visited 12 schools nationwide, raising awareness about the obstacles North Korean escapees face as they resettle in South Korea.
Since 2014, Saejowi has been committed to using theater as a means of educating and engaging South Korean students on the topics of North Korean resettlement and unification. The organization’s 15th production aimed to reach over 10,000 students, inspiring a new generation to take an active interest in the future of the Korean peninsula and the plight of North Korean citizens.
Following the success of "Small Happiness," Saejowi's theater crew returned on August 16, 2024, with a new name but a consistent mission. Rebranded as "Hope" (소망), the theater continued its journey through another six schools in the Gyeonggi-do province. Despite the name change, the core message remained the same: a call for empathy, understanding, and action regarding North Korean human rights and the vision of a unified Korea.
Saejowi extends its deepest gratitude to all the school authorities, the Ministry of Unification, the Gyeonggi-do region's officials, and the dedicated staff and actors who made this initiative possible. Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in spreading this vital message. ✨🍀 Until next year, when Saejowi will continue its mission to educate and inspire through the power of theater.
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