Unique Collaborations Explore the Intersection of Old and New in Korean Arts

SFAC

The Quad, a public theater operated by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, is set to host two captivating performances in July that seamlessly fuse traditional and contemporary elements. These hybrid productions aim to push the boundaries of artistic expression and offer audiences a fresh perspective on Korean culture.

Titled "Everything OK," the first performance, scheduled for Friday-Sunday, is a collaborative creation by renowned contemporary dancer-choreographer Ahn Eun-me's dance company and vocalist Seo Do from the Seo Do Band. Seo Do Band is known for pioneering the Joseon Pop genre, which combines popular appeal with traditional Korean musical elements, drawing inspiration from the historical Joseon dynasty.

"Everything OK" takes a retro approach, focusing on the music of revered female singers from the 1970s and 1980s, including Yoon Si-nae, Lee Eun-ha, Jung Mi-jo, and Jung Hoon-hee. These nostalgic songs will be beautifully interpreted by Seo Do, a talented artist who began her musical journey with pansori, a traditional Korean form of narrative singing, at the tender age of five. The performance will be complemented by the vibrant visuals and choreography of seven dancers from Ahn Eun-me Company, known for their dynamic and colorful style. To enhance the immersive experience, there will be no designated seating, blurring the lines between the stage and the audience. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with Seo Do and Ahn during signing events after each performance.

In a further exploration of traditional Korean arts, "The Two Eyes" reimagines the renowned pansori narrative, "Simcheongga," through the perspective of the protagonist's blind father. This innovative stage production will run from July 14 to 16. Pansori group Ip Koa Son Studio and media art group Muto have collaborated to transform the classic pansori tale into a captivating road movie-style experience. Building upon the original production in 2020, the stage will be adorned with mesmerizing LED media art, while the captivating melodies will be provided by the geomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument, fused with electronic music.

Tickets for these extraordinary performances can be reserved through the official website of the Quad theater. Priced at 50,000 won each, they offer an opportunity to witness the intersection of tradition and innovation in Korean performing arts.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com