National Jeongdong Theater to Premiere New Dance Work 'Bounce' Directly Planned by Troupe Members in July

Traditional Art Creations... Presenting the Distinct Charms of Yeonhui and Dance Genres

The National Jeongdong Theater announced on the 9th that it will hold 'BOUNCE,' featuring two new original works in July. Photo by National Jeongdong Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The National Jeongdong Theater announced on the 9th that it will hold 'BOUNCE,' presenting two new original works in July.

'BOUNCE' will be performed from July 1 to 3 at the National Jeongdong Theater's Cecil Theater. Ahead of the official opening of the Cecil Theater, which is operated by Jeongdong Theater, on July 14, the plan is to stage 'BOUNCE' first to test the potential of the performances and the resilience of the space.

This is the third edition of 'BOUNCE,' a creative platform series where members of the arts troupe take charge of planning and directing to experiment. It is expressed through dance, percussion, and yeonhui (traditional Korean performance), while also attempting to blend with other genres.

This year, performances in two parts?dance and percussion?will be presented. The dance piece 'Standing on Jakdu' metaphorically compares life to a Jakdu (a traditional Korean foot-operated saw), and the yeonhui play 'The Goddess of Samhan Has Come' conveys comfort and hope in an era subdued by viruses.

'Standing on Jakdu' is choreographed and composed by dancer Lee Hyuk. With intense music and movements, it conveys the beauty of Korean dance, embedding the creator’s autobiographical story into dynamic solo and group dances.

2022 BOUNCE_Practice Photos. Photo by National Jeongdong Theater

Lee Hyuk stated, "There were times when I felt like I was standing on a Jakdu, just like standing on the path of life. This work contains the time I have lived dancing and the process of realization." Eight troupe members?Jeon Jinhong, Yoon Seongjun, Park Sohyun, Park Jiyeon, Narae, Jo Haneul, Lee Seungmin, and Kim Hyesu?will perform together on stage.

'The Goddess of Samhan Has Come' is a work by percussionist Park Dayeol, expanding the yeonhui style based on traditional arts. It is the second challenge following 'Re-Nanbong,' which was presented through 'BOUNCE' last year. The performance, which interprets the customs of the Samhan period in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, combines yeonhui performance and music against a backdrop where the living world and the afterlife coexist, realizing a modern interpretation of tradition. This work is a collaboration with the yeonhui group The Gwangdae.

A representative of the National Jeongdong Theater said, "Through 'BOUNCE,' presented ahead of the official opening on July 14, we aim to test the potential of the performances and the resilience of the space."

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