Match of Puppet Play and Legendary Story

An experimental performance called “Woorinara Uturi” is being staged at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul, which will continue through September 1st. It is an effort to explore Korea’s traditional performance art form. The drama department of the Korean National University of Arts (KNUA) created a theoretical company called “Dolgoji” and combined “puppet” play by Namsadang, a Korean traditional performance company, and a legendary story called “Uturi” about a baby general in its experimental performance.

The performance steers clear of the traditional western performance forms. Rather, it takes no definite form like “mask show.”

“Gicheonmun,” Korean traditional dance, was applied to the performance, so it shows moves, in half static and in half dynamic. It also has Korean touches with Korean folk music. This is an opportunity to experiment with a Korean art form, which is based on bold omission, rapid progress, openness and intensiveness.

The main theme of the performance is conflict between baby general “Uturi” and King Lee Seong-gye. It also shows traditional customs among children.

After playing in Korea, “Woorinara Uturi” will participate in a drama festival organized by Central Drama School in Beijing, China.

Kim Gwang-rim, playwright and director of the performance, who is the director of the drama department of the KNUA, said, “China has Bijing opera, and Japan has Kabuki. However, Korea has no traditional art forms to speak of other than episode staged at court.” “In the flood of foreign art performances, we will continue our efforts to find out root of the Korean theatrics.” The performance is staged at 7: 30 on weekdays and at 3:00 and 7:30 on weekend. Admission fee: 8,000-12,000 won. Contact at 02-958-2556 or 02-580-1300.

Tae-Hun Hwang beetlez@donga.com