Celebrating 15 Years of 'Sora Star Story': A Timeless Mask Play by 'If You Go There'

The creative group 'If You Go There' is set to grace the stage this April with their enduring mask play 'Sora Star Story', which has been consistently praised by audiences since its debut in 2011. This performance marks the 15th anniversary of 'Sora Star Story', and anticipation is high among theatergoers for this acclaimed production.

Led by Professor Nam-Young Baek of Chung-Ang University, 'If You Go There' will perform 'Sora Star Story' from April 21 to May 3, with shows on Tuesday to Friday at 7:30 PM and on Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM at the Hyehwa Theater Kum in Seoul. Additionally, a performance is scheduled at the Yeju Culture and Arts Center Grand Theater in Yeongdeok, Gyeongbuk, on April 18 at 4 PM, ahead of the Seoul shows.

Even those unfamiliar with mask or mask theater can enjoy 'Sora Star Story', the flagship production of 'If You Go There', which has launched the careers of many notable stars. Actors such as Kang Han-na, Park Jung-won, Kim Ki-taek, Lee Do-hyun (real name Lim Dong-hyun), Noh Jae-won, and Ahn Young-bin, who are now active in both stage and screen, have been part of this production.

The troupe's leader, mask designer Lee Soo-eun, has crafted half-masks that perfectly capture the characters' traits, allowing actors to transform into children, a grumpy old man, water fairies, and more, offering the charm of this play. The simple stories and pure messages hidden within the masks leave a lasting impression on the audience. The 2026 performance of 'Sora Star Story' will feature actors Song Young-hoon, Hong Sang-pyo, Choi Jung-heon, Lee Kyung-eun, Choi Kyung-chul, Kim Jae-min, Um Hye-rin, Kim Tae-kyun, and Lee So-ri.

'Sora Star Story' was officially invited to the 2012 Folkwang Physical Theatre Festival in Germany, where it received rave reviews. It also won the Best Fringe Work at the 12th Pohang Sea International Performing Arts Festival and the Best Work, Best Director, and Best Actor awards at the 2013 Gimcheon International Family Theatre Festival, earning significant recognition both domestically and internationally. In 2025, the play 'Twelfth Night' won the Grand Prize, Best Director, and Best Actor awards at the 35th Geochang International Theatre Festival, showcasing the strength of mask theater once again.

With its warm emotions conveyed through Korean costumes and music, 'Sora Star Story' acts as a 'time machine' that takes adults back to their innocent childhood. This work, which spans all generations, serves as a 'letter of memories' for the older generation and as a 'romantic fairy tale' with pure emotions and charming characters for children.

The creative group 'If You Go There' has uniquely pioneered the genre of 'mask theater', using masks as the main object, and has consistently developed high-quality works since its formation in 2008. The diverse faces presented through various masks have become a new stage language that only 'If You Go There' can offer.

Tickets for the 2026 performance of 'Sora Star Story' by 'If You Go There' can be purchased through online ticketing sites.

Reporter Ji-won Kim, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr