Matjaž Farič is a choreographer, director, dancer and artistic director of Flota Institute. One of the leading figures of Slovenian contemporary dance since the 1980s, he has created numerous original dance and theatre productions while collaborating with dance companies, theatres and opera houses in Slovenia and abroad. His international collaborations include Studio for Contemporary Dance Zagreb, Diversions Dance Company (Cardiff) and Compagnie Coline (France), alongside extensive work with major Slovenian theatres. He is the recipient of numerous national and international awards, including the Prešeren Fund Award, the Župančič Award, the Golden Bird Award, the Borštnik Festival Award, and the Grand Prize at the International Biennial Competition of Choreographers in Seine-Saint-Denis, France.
In a conversation with Hye Jeung Chung, producer of the Seoul International Dance Festival (SIDance), we will delve into the current dance scene in South Korea. SIDance is one of the most important platforms for contemporary dance in the region, showcasing both local and international artists. With her extensive experience and insight into the festival, Hye Jeung Chung is an excellent interlocutor for understanding trends, challenges, and innovations in the South Korean dance scene. Through the conversation, we will explore how SIDance shapes the broader context of South Korean dance, what opportunities it opens for local creators, and what perspectives it offers for the development of contemporary dance in the region.
The program will provide an overview of current trends, practices, and production methods, while also giving participants an understanding of how dance is evolving within the cultural, aesthetic, and professional context of South Korea.
Hye Jeung Chung is a prominent figure in the international dance community, currently serving as the chief producer of the Seoul International Dance Festival (SIDance) and as the director of the Seoul branch of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO). Her leadership at SIDance has been crucial in establishing the festival as one of the leading platforms for contemporary dance in Asia, renowned for its innovative programming and dedication to fostering global artistic exchange.
Matjaž Farič is a renowned Slovenian choreographer and dancer with a career spanning from the 1980s. He has founded several dance companies, including FLOTA, and has created numerous acclaimed performances both in Slovenia and abroad. He has also collaborated with international dance companies such as Testworks (Amsterdam), Studio for Contemporary Dance (Zagreb), and Diversions Dance Company (Cardiff). He is the artistic director of the FLOTA institute and the international dance festival Front@ in Murska Sobota, and a significant figure in both the domestic and international contemporary dance scene.