Infinite Variations of Chilchae Jangdan, National Dance Company’s 'Gamuak Chilchae' Reperformed After 2 Years

November 20-22 at the National Theater Daloreum Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The National Dance Company, the resident troupe of the National Theater of Korea, will perform 'Gamuak Chilchae,' choreographed by National Dance Company member Lee Jae-hwa, at the Daloreum Theater from November 20 to 22.

'Gamuak Chilchae' is a work that showcases the new charm of Korean dance by utilizing the Chilchae rhythm pattern mainly used in Nongak (traditional Korean farmers' music). Originally created as a 30-minute piece in 2018 as part of the National Dance Company's next-generation choreographer discovery project 'Next Step I,' it was later expanded and developed to twice the length and performed as part of the National Dance Company's regular repertoire by the end of the same year.

'Chilchae' is a fast and dazzling rhythm used in Nongak marches, named after the practice of striking the gong seven times in one rhythm cycle. 'Gamuak Chilchae' focuses on the expansion of expression that arises from the collision of rhythm and bodily sensation by variating Chilchae through singing, dancing, and musical performance from multiple angles. Although it uses traditional rhythms as its material, it is by no means heavy or difficult to understand. At its premiere in 2018, it received praise for its dynamic stage that elegantly interpreted traditional rhythms and Korean dance with a sophisticated sensibility, with comments such as "a work that feels more energetic than a rock concert" and "exciting and delightful without ever being boring."

Lee Jae-hwa said, "I hope Chilchae will be conveyed not as a rhythm of the past but as a rhythm of the present," adding, "Even without prior knowledge of music or dance, audiences will be able to fully and joyfully enjoy the infinite variations of the Chilchae rhythm unfolding on stage."

For the first revival in two years, the best 'kkun' (masters) of Korean song, dance, and music have gathered in one place. A total of 16 artists will take the stage, including seven young dancers leading the National Dance Company, seven musicians led by music director Heo Sung-eun, and singers Kim Joon-su and Jeongga vocalist Park Min-hee. Rising star Choi Ho-jong of the National Dance Company joins dancers Song Seol, Lee Jae-hwa, Park Hye-ji, Lee Yo-eum, Hwang Tae-in, and Jo Seung-yeol, who performed in the premiere, injecting new vitality into the work.

Kim Joon-su, a member of the National Changgeuk Company, leads the Chilchae rhythm with witty storytelling, adding excitement, while newly joined vocalist Park Min-hee adds another charm to the work through Jeongga singing style, which extends and connects syllables. Music director Heo Sung-eun plans to express Chilchae with a variety of timbres by combining traditional Korean instruments such as haegeum, ajaeng, taepyeongso, janggu, buk, and jing with Western instruments like guitar, drums, and bass.

This revival will also feature an interactive video technology that organically changes according to the dancers' movements as a new directorial attempt to visualize Chilchae. Additionally, a female duet harmonizing with the Chilchae rhythm newly interpreted through Jeongga's musical language will be composed, creating a more diverse flow.

After the performance on November 21, a talk session with choreographer Lee Jae-hwa and the cast will be held. For safety, the Q&A will use open chat, and the audience can enter the question chat room via a QR code. This performance will implement 'seating with spacing' in accordance with the social distancing guidelines of the health authorities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.