National Theater Seeks Next-Generation Creative Artists Based on Tradition

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The National Theater announced on the 16th that it will promote 'NTOK Connect,' a next-generation creator discovery and nurturing project aimed at expanding the base of contemporary performing arts rooted in tradition.

This project is designed to lead the creation of a sustainable creative ecosystem by providing growth nourishment to creators in the fields of ▲sakchang (composition and singing) ▲choreography ▲conducting, which form the foundation of works by the National Theater’s resident groups (National Changgeuk Company, National Dance Company, National Gugak Orchestra).

The project period runs until the end of 2022. Starting from the 16th, recruitment begins for the National Changgeuk Company's ‘Sakchangga Project’ and the National Gugak Orchestra’s ‘Conductor Project,’ followed by the National Dance Company's ‘Choreographer Project’ recruitment in February next year. Young artists selected through open recruitment in each field will strengthen their creative capabilities over about one year by participating in ▲various creative workshops ▲work development through collaboration with the National Theater’s resident groups ▲and staged performances for audiences and experts, progressing through each production stage. Top domestic artists such as sakchangga Ansookseon, Han Seungseok, and Lee Jaram, playwright Bae Samsik, director Go Seonwoong, and conductors Won Youngseok and Choi Suyeol will participate as mentors, imparting practical creative secrets on site.

The National Changgeuk Company (Artistic Director Yoo Sujeong) focuses on the importance of ‘sakchang (作唱)’ in changgeuk, which centers on pansori. Sakchang is the process of composing new sounds that fit the flow of the play by utilizing various rhythms and scales of Korean music, serving as a core element that leads the overall emotion of changgeuk works. One reason why ‘changgeuk,’ somewhat unfamiliar to the public, has gained attention over the past decade is that it created new Korean sounds beyond the traditional pansori framework and communicated with audiences. Accordingly, the National Changgeuk Company has planned the ‘Sakchangga Project’ as an important task to discover and nurture sakchangga who are the roots of changgeuk creation.

The National Dance Company (Artistic Director Son Inyoung) is conducting the ‘Choreographer Project’ to discover next-generation choreographers who will lead the Korean Wave in dance. This initiative started from the recognition that while public interest in dance has increased, support for talented Korean dance choreographers in the performing arts sector has been insufficient. The National Dance Company created opportunities for its members to demonstrate their creative talents as choreographers through ‘Next Step I’ and ‘Next Step II’ in 2018 and 2019. As a result, it achieved meaningful outcomes such as strengthening dancers’ choreography capabilities and discovering new repertoires like ‘Gamuakchilchae’ (choreographed by Lee Jaehwa). The National Dance Company plans to nurture next-generation choreographers by sharing the know-how built during the ‘Next Step’ work development process with the entire performing arts community.

The National Gugak Orchestra (Artistic Director Kim Sungjin) is launching the ‘Conductor Project’ for young conductors who have few opportunities to experience professional orchestras due to high entry barriers. The conductor is the leader of the orchestra, and it is no exaggeration to say that the musical color and identity of the orchestra are determined by the conductor. Through this project, the National Gugak Orchestra plans to discover conductors who embody the unique phrasing and color of gugak, including the rhythms and melodies characteristic of Korean traditional music.

The National Changgeuk Company and the National Gugak Orchestra began recruiting participants on the 16th, selecting up to four sakchangga and conductors respectively. In February 2022, the National Dance Company will start recruiting participants for the ‘Choreographer Project,’ selecting a total of three choreographers. Detailed information about the recruitment can be found on the National Theater’s website.

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