National Namdo Gugak Center Hosts Percussion Yeonhuiwon Akwie Invitational Performance

Published 18 Dec.2023 13:30(KST)

The "Face-Changing Lion Escape Incident" of Searching for the Transforming Lion

The National Namdo Gugak Center (hereinafter Gugak Center) will hold a special performance of the percussion performance group AQUI’s “The Case of the Disappearing Face-Changing Lion” at 3 p.m. on the 23rd in the Grand Theater Jinakdang (Jindo, Jeonnam).

According to the Gugak Center on the 18th, AQUI, a creative percussion performing arts group established in 2006 that transcends generations based on traditional percussion, showcases a diverse artistic world by utilizing various materials such as daebuk (large barrel drum), modeumbuk (combined drums), nanta drums, traditional percussion instruments, and Western percussion instruments.

AQUI means “to grasp and tie up the threads of complicated and chaotic matters,” and it works by expressing various genres of music with Korea’s unique sensibility.

An invited performance of the percussion troupe Akwui's "The Case of the Mask-Changing Assassin's Escape" will be held at Jinakdang, the Grand Theater of the National Namdo Gugak Center.
[Photo by National Namdo Gugak Center]

This performance, “The Case of the Disappearing Face-Changing Lion,” tells the story of a face-changing lion, the pride of the Joseon Circus Troupe Pungak, who escapes from the circus troupe due to the tyranny of the troupe leader. The story depicts Yeonhong, the lion’s only friend, struggling to save the lion while evading the troupe leader and members who are trying to capture the face-changing lion.

By actively incorporating pansori, theater, yeoldubal sangmo (twelve-bead hat spinning), beorna (spinning bowl), yonggi nori (dragon vessel play), and percussion performances into the play, this traditional performance is a heartwarming family play that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy at the end of the year.

A representative of the Gugak Center said, “This performance will conclude the 2023 Saturday Regular Performance Series ‘I Like Gugak’ and will return again in March next year,” adding, “Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Namdo Gugak Center’s opening, and we are preparing even richer and more splendid performances, so we ask for your great interest and anticipation.”

The performance is free of charge, and free shuttle buses will be provided before and after the performance between Jindo town and the Gugak Center. Additionally, a performance stamp coupon event will be held until December, offering small souvenirs to participating audience members.

For more detailed information about the performance, please visit the National Namdo Gugak Center website or contact them by phone.