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Mata Hari

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2016

마타하리

Mata Hari (마타하리) is a Korean original musical based on the life of the historical dancer and alleged spy, exploring identity, survival, and political manipulation during World War I.

2016

​Posters included in this archive are embedded solely for documentary and educational purposes.

🔗 All images are linked to their original sources or articles. No copyright ownership is claimed.

SOURCE

biography

SETTING

Foreign

BOOK

original

Productions in Korea

2016.03 🔴 Blue Square Interpark Hall (Seoul)
2017.06 🔴 Sejong Center Grand Theater (Seoul)
2022.05 🔴 Charlotte Theater (Seoul)
2024.12 🔴 LG Arts Center Seoul LG Signature Hall (Seoul)

🔴 = Large-scale production

SYNOPSIS

(Full Synopsis)

Set in early 20th-century Europe during World War I, the musical unfolds through the life of a dancer who becomes entangled in political intrigue and espionage.
Margaretha, a woman shaped by a traumatic past, reinvents herself as the exotic dancer Mata Hari in Paris. With the help of Anna, she builds a new identity and rises to international fame through her performances.

As war spreads across Europe, her popularity begins to decline, and she becomes involved with Armand, a pilot who offers her genuine affection and emotional stability.

However, political forces intervene. Accused of espionage and manipulated by powerful figures such as Ladoux, Mata Hari is forced into the role of a spy. Her life becomes a struggle between survival, love, and autonomy.

Ultimately, she is betrayed and condemned, facing execution despite her attempts to reclaim control over her fate. The story presents her not only as a historical figure but as a woman navigating power, desire, and survival in a world dominated by men.

PRODUCTION NOTE

Mata Hari premiered in 2016 at Blue Square Interpark Hall, produced by EMK Musical Company as its first original large-scale musical after years of staging licensed works. With music by Frank Wildhorn, book by Ivan Menchel, and lyrics by Jack Murphy, the production was designed with international export in mind.

The musical is known for its large-scale staging, extensive costumes, and significant revisions across multiple seasons. Each revival introduced structural and narrative changes, including expanded focus on female agency and reinterpretation of the protagonist’s identity.

It has achieved both commercial success and international expansion, with licensed productions in Japan and showcase presentations in China.

POSTER COLLECTION

Poster images are provided for documentation purposes only and link to their original sources. All rights remain with the original creators and producers.

🔴 indicates Seoul large-theatre productions.

REFERENCES

Synopsis Sources

     

NamuWiki Mata Hari Musical

https://namu.wiki/w/%EB%A7%88%ED%83%80%ED%95%98%EB%A6%AC(%EB%AE%A4%EC%A7%80%EC%BB%AC)

     

     

Articles & Reviews

     

Edaily Article Mata Hari

https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01164406639116880&mediaCodeNo=257

     

Women News Article Mata Hari

https://www.womennews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=224542

     

Sports Seoul Article Mata Hari

https://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1486957

     

     

Related Pages (Musicals of Korea)

     

Mata Hari China Showcase Page

https://www.musicalsofkorea.com/k-musicals-worldwide-non-english/201610-mata-hari-cn

     

Mata Hari Japan Page

https://www.musicalsofkorea.com/k-musicals-worldwide-non-english/201801-mata-hari-jp

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Last update: March 17, 2026

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