The infamously R-rated theater play, “Caligula_Remix,” with the famous line “I am God! Worship and blame me!” will open the 12th Uijeongbu International Music Theater Festival on May 4 as its Asian premier.

“Caligula_Remix,” an adaptation of Albert Camu’s “Caligula,” tells the real-life story of Roman emperor Caligula’s suffering over the death of his sister and lover Drusilla as well as conflict between the tyrant and his rebel forces. 

Although there is no nudity involved, explicit verbal descriptions of graphic, obscene or incestuous scenes led the organizers to ban minors from the performance.

The festival’s committee said it has chosen the piece because it represents the elements of a good musical theater play.

“Rather than just reading the lines, performers deliver the story through their delicate gestures while playing with their vocal chords as if they were playing musical instruments,” the organizers said in a press release.

Despite the opening piece being so sensational, the festival organizers saved room for people of all ages to enjoy.

“As the festival’s motive is ‘together, yet separate,’ on the same day of ‘Caligula_Remix,’ we are also having ‘Tete de Violon! (Violin Grandma)’ for children aged 3-9 so that all the family can enjoy the festival,” said Lee Hyun-jung, an executive committee official said.

The UIMTF will present “Leo,” which shows the sorrowful loneliness of a man; “Encoded” displaying 3-D content integrated with dance and circus; as well as Lee Ja-ram’s pansori, or Korean vocal performance, of “Ukchuck-ga” based on a Brecht’s play. “Ukchuck-ga” made its world premiere at the 2011 UIMTF and was favorably viewed at home and abroad.

Also to be featured is “Eleven Hungry Cats,” which involved a group of 30 enthusiastic Uijeongbu citizens including teenagers who have practiced over six months for the show.

“It is a great pleasure to see ordinary citizens enjoy having each other around through our event,” Lee said.

The UIMTF will close with a special concert by street dancer, Poppin Hyun Joon, and his pansori singer wife, Park Ae-ri, who are the goodwill ambassadors of the event. The festival runs through May 19.

By Suh Hye-rim (sheren6735@heraldcorp.com)