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2016
玛塔·哈里
Mata Hari (마타하리) is a large-scale Korean original musical based on the life of the World War I dancer and spy, created for international export from its inception. It has become one of EMK Musical Company’s flagship titles, with multiple licensed runs in Japan and an early showcase introduction in China.
ORIGIN
2016, book by Ivan Menchel, lyrics by Jack Murphy, music by Frank Wildhorn. Produced by EMK Musical Company. Premiered at Blue Square Interpark Hall in Seoul, positioned as the company’s first fully homegrown original musical following years of staging licensed European titles. The project was developed with export in mind, including an English-language book draft and modular staging structure that could be adapted for overseas markets.
STORY
The musical follows Margaretha Zelle, the Dutch-born dancer who reinvents herself as the exotic performer “Mata Hari” in Belle Époque Paris and becomes entangled in espionage during World War I. Framed by a modern museum setting, the narrative retraces her rise to celebrity, her relationship with pilot Armand, and the political forces that lead to her execution as a spy. The tone blends romantic tragedy, political intrigue, and spectacle, driven by Wildhorn’s melodic score and a central arc of reinvention and betrayal.
POSTER COLLECTION
Poster images are shown for documentation only. All rights belong to the original creators and producers.
KOREAN RUNS
2016 premiere – EMK Musical Company, Blue Square Interpark Hall (Seoul).
2017 revival – Sejong Center Grand Theater (Seoul).
2022 third season – Charlotte Theater (Seoul), promoted as the first original musical to occupy the venue.
2024–2025 fourth season – LG Art Center Seoul, LG Signature Hall, presented as the final grand run before future revision.
The musical is known for major rewrites between seasons, with significant structural and cast changes across each production.
GLOBAL STAGINGS & ADAPTATIONS
China – Shanghai (2016)
Showcase presentation – Korean-language excerpts
Yunfeng Theater, “2016 Korean Original Musical Showcase”
Mata Hari was introduced as one of eight selected titles in a government-supported export event attended by Chinese producers, cultural delegates, and diplomatic representatives. The presentation positioned the work for future international licensing rather than immediate commercial staging.
Japan – Osaka & Tokyo (2017–2018)
Licensed Japanese-language adaptation by Umeda Arts Theater
Opened in Osaka at Umeda Arts Theater and transferred to Tokyo International Forum in early 2018
Retained Frank Wildhorn’s score with new Japanese lyrics and direction by Sachiko Ishimaru, receiving attention as a rare large-scale musical import from Korea.
Japan – Multiple Cities (2021)
Licensed Japanese-language revival by Umeda Arts Theater
Staged in Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka, with largely returning principal cast and paid livestream broadcasts
The revival continued refining the Japanese version, confirming the title’s viability as a recurring licensed work.
Japan – Tokyo, Osaka & Fukuoka (2025)
Licensed Japanese-language tour
Scheduled for Oct–Nov 2025 with returning stars Yuzuki Reon and Aiki Reika, presented by Umeda Arts Theater, Toho, and Amuse Creative Studio
Marketed as the third Japanese season, expanding to multiple major venues and positioning Mata Hari as an established repertory musical in Japan.
REFERENCES
Namu Wiki – Korean production details
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)
Wikipedia – Mata Hari (Wildhorn musical)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Hari_(Wildhorn_musical)
CSMES – 2016 Shanghai Korean Musical Showcase report
https://www.csmes.org/show-15-81294.html
IdeaNews – Japan 2025 tour announcement
https://ideanews.jp/archives/148606
Umeda Arts Theater – 2021 official page
https://www.umegei.com/matahari2021/
YouTube – 2021 Japan performance footage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqUcGg5xT4c
YouTube – 2025 Japan tour livestream spot
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