The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s K-Fellowship invites leading foreign officials to Korea to promote global exchange of culture and arts. Launched in 2009, the program marks its 16th edition this year.
So far, more than 200 officials from cultural and arts institutions worldwide have visited Korea through the program to discover and promote exchange and joint projects with domestic entities and experts. This year, 15 such figures from 15 countries recommended by Korean Cultural Centers abroad will visit in order.
The program’s second invitee this year is Lamiaa Zayed, chairman of the board of Cairo Opera House in Egypt. She is highly experienced in the performing and fine arts of the North Africa region.
By Israa Mohamed
Photos = Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Lamiaa Zayed, chairman of the board of Cairo Opera House, arrived in Korea on May 27 for a seven-day stay under the K-Fellowship of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Shown is Zayed in front of a Hanok (traditional house).
“Through stimulation of bilateral exchange in performing arts, I want to convey to my juniors the heartwarming impression I felt back then.”
Lamiaa Zayed, chairman of the board of Cairo Opera House in Cairo, Egypt, on May 27 arrived in Korea for a seven-day stay in her second visit to the nation.
Her first trip here 24 years ago was as a soloist ballerina, but this time, she came as the head of the managing agency of opera houses in Egypt. Thus this made her latest visit special.
Zayed started her packed schedule at the National Museum of Korea and leading domestic culture and arts institutions such as the National Gugak Center, Seoul Arts Center, Korea National Opera, Korean National Ballet (KNB) and Universal Ballet.
Despite her busy itinerary, she chose not to miss out on experiencing Korean culture. She learned about the history of presidents at the former presidential complex of Cheong Wa Dae, traditional architecture at Bukchon Hanok Village and cultural heritage at Seonjeongneung, or the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty designated UNESCO World Heritage.
When asked about the goal of her visit, she said without hesitation, “To boost culture and arts exchanges between Korea and Egypt.” Her quick response felt like an arrow flying at incredible speed right after being shot.
The reason for her instantaneous response was simple. She expressed the desire for both countries to better understand each other’s culture and arts as next year marks the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties.
“I’m glad to have achieved my planned goal in talks with officials from culture and arts institutions related to opera, ballet and music,” Zayed said.
Her passion could be felt throughout the interview through her enthusiasm and honesty.
In meetings with KNB staff, Zayed specifically mentioned a dancer exchange for gala shows and short ballet performances next year. She also sat in on rehearsals at the KNB to examine the practice process of its performers.
Zayed seemed to want to share with the dancers the skills, experience and knowledge she accumulated through performing ballet in 28 countries and serving as the dean of the Higher Institute of Ballet in Egypt. She recalled her ideas for exchange programs.
Lamiaa Zayed (left), chairman of the board of Cairo Opera House, on May 30 watches a rehearsal at the Korean National Ballet in Seoul’s Seocho-gu District.
At the KNB, Zayed suggested joint performances in Egypt as well as new exchanges in culture and arts.
She exuded passion during her visit to Universal Ballet. Staff from her opera house and the ballet discussed holding in Egypt “Chunhyang,” an original ballet based on Korea’s legendary love story. As former ballerinas, Zayed and the troupe’s head apparently agreed on many things.
Because of the high financial cost if all KNB dancers performed abroad, both sides decided to reduce the number of cast members 60%-70%. Zayed’s suggestions evidently reflected her insight, experience and practical approach to performance planning and operation.
Cairo Opera House, as an affiliate of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, deems traditional music a crucial genre in addition to classical music, ballet and contemporary music. That is why the house seeks to invite troupes from the National Gugak Center in the second half of the year.
Support from the Korean Cultural Center in Cairo also explains high anticipation in Egypt. The two countries can better understand each other’s cultural backgrounds via traditional music, as traditional tunes can bridge the people of both nations.
So what did Zayed want to bring back from Korea? With excitement in her eyes, she said, “At the National Museum of Korea, I was impressed by the harmony of the cultural heritage, artifacts and history of the past with the cutting-edge technology of the present and future.”
“Through Korea’s planning and exhibition technology, I want to promote the history of Cairo Opera House at the museum within the house.”
On her first visit to Korea in 2000, Zayed said, “The clothes and culture felt very much American, as Korean youths at the time were influenced by U.S. dramas and movies,” adding, “But this time, it was nice to clearly see their identities when I walked on the street.”
She thus saw how Korea had changed and grown since 2000 and formed a new perception of the country.
Zayed said she will long remember everyday moments in Korea, including the air she felt when walking out of her hotel in early morning, nature and people she saw. As she hurriedly left for the next event on her schedule, she said, “I’ll be back (to Korea someday).”
Lamiaa Zayed (second from left), chairman of the board of Cairo Opera House in Egypt, on May 28 examines traditional designs at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul’s Yongsan-gu District.
ess8@korea.kr
