Daegu Theater Troupe wants to know your romantic secrets.

The troupe plans to stage a performance on Valentine’s Day based on stories of love submitted to it in confidence.

Michael Randall, who will be directing the ‘Love Secrets’ project, said he had been a part of similar projects before in other countries, but this one would be unique because it was asking for the Daegu community’s help in creating the play to be performed.

“While in Italy, I was a part of a theater ensemble that created a play based on each actor’s personal stories and life experiences. We then shared it with the entire city in a performance for their summer arts festival,” Randall explained.

“We could have picked any classic love story to perform, but we figured, why put on an old re-run when the city of Daegu is bursting at the seams with juicy tales of its own?”

He said that submissions had already come in from expats, the military and the Korean community, which would later be woven together for the performance.

“I’m excited to see what submissions come in from the Daegu community over the next couple of weeks,” said Randall, adding that members of the troupe would also be making anonymous submissions.

“So far we’ve received an array of things; everything from poems, one-liners, short stories and songs ― all of which are honest at the core,” said Randall.

“From these submissions we will create an original work that will aim to illuminate the highs and lows of love in Daegu.

“Many of us here are on some sort of contract, whether it be as a teacher or as military personnel. As a result, relationships and dating in general tends to move at a much more intense pace than it might normally back home.

“This alone can help to create some wildly funny and gut-wrenching stories. Whether or not this same intensity will translate to the stage remains to be seen.”

The troupe asks that submissions be authentic and anonymous, to avoid potential recriminations from angry lovers.

“So please leave out any incriminating evidence that might identify any of the parties involved,” said Randall.

Submissions can be made anonymously at daegutheatre.org/lovesecret. You can also friend the Daegu Theatre Troupe on Facebook for more information.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)