Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will present two family-friendly children's productions this May at the Dream Forest Arts Center performance hall, inside the North Seoul Dream Forest Park's west gate. A participatory magic concert, Showprise II (May 2–3), and the family play Me, the Monster, and the Bag (May 8–10) tackle imagination and emotion, respectively, to deepen engagement with young audiences.
Showprise II is the second season of last year's sold-out Showprise, returning with expanded staging and refreshed material.
The show invites children to participate directly. It features close-up stage magic, a \"bag-in-the-attic\" illusion, enchanted shoes, and hybrid bubble-marionette performances. Visuals — including laser and LED effects, shadow animation and a mega-balloon spectacle — heighten the show's immersive quality.
Magician Yuno fronts the production. Performing under the motto \"There are no limits to expression and imagination,\" he has become known for interactive, audience-centered shows. In this concert he pairs playful hosting with kinetic performances to engage both children and adults. After each performance, young attendees will receive balloons and have the chance for a group photo.
From May 8–10, the play Me, the Monster, and the Bag gives physical form to a child's emotions — imagined as monsters — to examine relationships and communication. It comes from Olive and Jjin-kong, the Dream Forest Arts Center's 2026 resident ensemble; since forming in 2009 the company has focused on original work that links private lives to broader social themes.
The story follows Yoon-ju, whose bag releases a monster every time she feels upset. As the creature grows and isolates her from friends, Yoon-ju and her friend Chang-i team up to devise a way to put the monster back in the bag.
Through the characters' problem-solving and mutual understanding, the play encourages children to recognize and express their emotions.
The production treats emotion lightly from a child's point of view while marrying object-based staging with live music for greater theatrical refinement. Moving monster puppets, the actors' physical performances and live score create a highly immersive atmosphere. The production is directed by Lee Young-sook, adapted by Go Sun-deok, and features performers An Jung-hyun, Lee Ye-hyun and Kang Jang-gun, with musician Tamura Ryo.
Photo: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
