top of page
Mata Hari
마타하리
Official English Title
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
The dancer-spy of World War I
Korean Premiere
2016
Korean Premiere Theatre
Blue Square Samsung Electronics Hall, Seoul
Further Korean run reference:
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)
The Musical search cue — “마타하리 뮤지컬”
Summary
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.
Origin & Development
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. 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.
Partial Synopsis
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.
玛塔·哈里
2016
2016-10-12
to
2016-10-13
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Production Type:
Reading / Showcase
Language:
Korean
Venue:
Yunfeng Theater
Presented in Korean-language excerpts as one of eight selected titles at this government-supported export event, attended by Chinese producers, cultural delegates, and diplomatic representatives, positioning the work for future international licensing rather than immediate commercial staging.
マタ・ハリ
2018
2018-01-21
to
2018-02-18
Country:
Japan
City:
Multiple Cities
Production Type:
Licensed
Language:
Japanese
Venue:
Multiple Venues
Produced by Umeda Arts Theater, the adaptation kept Frank Wildhorn's score with new Japanese lyrics and direction by Sachiko Ishimaru, and drew attention as a rare large-scale musical import from Korea.
It opened at Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka before transferring to Tokyo International Forum.
マタ・ハリ
2021
2021-06-15
to
2021-07-20
Country:
Japan
City:
Multiple Cities
Production Type:
Licensed
Language:
Japanese
Venue:
Multiple Venues
A revival by Umeda Arts Theater playing Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL (June 15–27), Kariya City Cultural Center Iris Main Hall in Aichi (July 10–11), and Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall in Osaka (July 16–20). It continued to refine the Japanese version and confirmed the title as a recurring licensed work.
マタ・ハリ
2025
2025-10-01
to
2025-11-03
Country:
Japan
City:
Multiple Cities
Production Type:
Licensed
Language:
Japanese
Venue:
Multiple Venues
Marketed as the third Japanese season, presented by Umeda Arts Theater, Toho, and Amuse Creative Studio with returning stars Yuzuki Reon and Aiki Reika, it established Mata Hari as a repertory musical in Japan.
The production toured major venues in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
bottom of page