DOSAN Humanities Theater 2025: LOCAL
DOOSAN Humanities Theater brings together sociological, humanities and artistic imagination on humans and society. Each year, a theme is selected to be discussed in a variety of ways, including performances, exhibitions, lectures, and artist talks. 
Past subjects include ‘Big History’, ‘The Age of Distrust’, ‘Exception, Mutation, or Abnormality on the Borders’, ‘New Imagination on the Extended Territory’, ‘Conflict’, ‘Altruist’, ‘Apartment Nation’, ‘FOOD’, ‘Fairness’,  
‘Age’, 'Rights'. The theme for 2025 is ‘LOCAL’.  

LOCAL
The concept of ‘LOCAL’ arises from the interplay of physical processes and time. According to the laws of physics, heterogeneous matter blends and gravitates towards a state of equilibrium. However, its motion is impeded by various obstacles. The universe’s demise would be marked by the moment when everything blends into a single entity. Until then, differences persist between distinct parts of the universe. It is these distinctions that give rise to what can be described as the notion of ‘LOCAL’ on Earth. 
Life on Earth, whether originating from a single instance or from multiple origins, has resulted in the diverse array of species present today. Similarly, humanity descended from a single ancestor and has since spread across the globe. Across distinct geographical regions, varying natural environments inhabited by different peoples have shaped diverse cultures and experiences. When they come together, these diverse elements contribute to the unique character, or “locality” of a specific place. 
The term ‘LOCAL’ is inherently neutral, yet it also describes an area outside the central hub. These local regions are vulnerable to marginalization in the face of centralization. The decline of these regions ultimately jeopardizes the stability of the center itself. Currently, Korea is experiencing a pronounced imbalance. The 2025 DOOSAN Humanities Theater delves into the term ‘LOCAL’ from various perspectives, investigating the challenges our society confronts regarding local issues. Can we find solutions to the crises precipitated by local concerns and imbalances?

Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market, a historic landmark dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, has long provided shelter and food to military troops, merchants, and shoppers. Today, it stands as Seoul’s iconic food market, attracting both local residents and tourists alike. 
The musical Gwangjang Market uses the titular market and the Jongno 5-ga area as a backdrop to explore the lives of those navigating Seoul’s rapid transformation. It details the stories of foreign female workers, highlighting their labor and lives, often hidden behind the simple act of serving a hearty bowl of rice.  
Many people leave home in search of their own personal El Dorado, only to discover that their aspirations are nothing more than mere “dreams,” never meant to come true. Gwangjang Market is a place where people find those dreams. Aung, a migrant from Myanmar, finds herself at the heart of this bustling market. Having initially abandoned her dreams to support herself by delivering food, Aung sets off to realize her dream once again, inspired by the warmth of the very food she delivers.