People For Earth

2025 People for Earth 10th Anniversary Play, 〈White Rhino Mandela〉

A Message of Coexistence from Nelson Mandela and a White Rhino Named 'Mandela'

From July 25 to 27, 2025, the play 〈White Rhino Mandela〉, celebrating the 10th anniversary of People for Earth, was performed at the People for Earth space.

The play tells the stories of two 'Mandelas': the great African human rights activist and first Black president, Nelson Mandela, and the endangered white rhino named 'Mandela' living at Seoul Grand Park. Their stories awaken a true sense of coexistence in an age of extinction. The play also broadens the scope of extinction from non-human beings to the story of us all.

This work was written and directed by theatrical master Min Bok-ki, and created in collaboration with talented actors and musicians Ryu Je-seung, Chae Seung-hye, Kang Young-duk, Son Hee-nam (guitarist for the band 'Asian Chairshot'), and video director Go Eun-ryeong.

Synopsis

Nelson Mandela, the African human rights activist and the world's first Black president, and 'Mandela,' the endangered white rhino living at Seoul Grand Park.

Why do they share the same name?

Mandela, who fought his entire life for the survival of Black Africans, and the white rhino Mandela, who endures for the survival of his species.

What did they cry out in the face of extinction?

Ubuntu: "I am because we are."

And here, two zookeepers enter the story.

Director's Note

There's a special kind of excitement you feel when you go to a place from a long time ago, or when you meet an old friend.

What makes me most excited about this project is working with actors Je-seung and Young-duk again after so long. And also actress Seung-hye, musician Hee-nam...

It’s not just about the play itself, but the fact that I get to do this show with these people, and on top of that, that we're performing it at the People for Earth space instead of a theater. I’m incredibly thrilled and excited.

Ubuntu! Bambelela!

〈Watch the Video〉