[On Stage] Joyful and Bright Like Spring, Jeongdong Theater's Yeonhiguk 'Modern Jeongdong'

The 2024 regular performance of the National Jeongdong Theater's arts troupe, 'Modern Jeongdong,' is lively and radiant, reminiscent of spring.

The narrative is driven by continuous, engaging dance without a dull moment. The male dancers dress stylishly in bowler hats and suits, while the female dancers showcase elegant lines in sophisticated hanbok before dazzling with colorful dresses worn by modern girls from 100 years ago, exuding a youthful cheerfulness.

Modern Jeongdong expands the traditional performance genre previously presented by the National Jeongdong Theater arts troupe, interpreting the modern era’s art?a blend of tradition and Western culture?through dance and music. It tells the story of 'Yu-yeong,' a contemporary character living in 2024, who time-slips back 100 years to Jeongdong and meets the modern girls 'Hwaseon' and 'Yeonsil.' Utilizing the historical significance of the restoration of Won-gaksa, Korea’s first modern-style theater, and the characteristics of Jeongdong as the starting point of modern historical culture, the performance allows the audience to fully experience the culture of that time.

'Modern Jeongdong' Performance Photos [Photo by National Jeongdong Theater]

Despite the absurd premise of time-slipping, there is no awkwardness, and although the music and dance from 100 years ago are recreated, the performance is far from outdated. The troupe members on stage present a lively and spirited performance with the innocent sensibility of boys and girls unconcerned with the era’s social conditions.

Popular songs of the time such as the modern ballad 'Praise of Death,' new folk songs 'Spring Greeting' and 'Virgin and Bachelor,' and popular songs like 'If I Go With You,' along with the accordion?the representative instrument of modern music?and the percussion performances by the National Jeongdong Theater arts troupe add to the excitement. Collage videos depicting the Jeongdong street, Jeongdong Church, streetcars, theaters, and Deoksugung Palace from 100 years ago, as well as costumes, props, and makeup reflecting the fashion trends of the era, add to the enjoyment.

The Jeongdong Theater arts troupe members showcase various dance genres ranging from Korean creative dance to Charleston swing, new folk dance, and revue dance. Guest actor Yoon Je-won and sorikkun (traditional Korean vocal performer) Kim Yu-ri act as narrators, sometimes like comedians and sometimes like silent film narrators, leading the story with dazzling eloquence and evoking laughter.

The direction of Modern Jeongdong is by director Ahn Kyung-mo, who won the 23rd Kim Sang-yeol Theater Award for the play 'Sweat' and is active across genres including dance and tradition. Writer Kim Ga-ram, who won the 4th Korean Musical Awards Best Work for the musical 'Aranga,' choreographer Jeong Bo-gyeong, noted for co-choreographing the Seoul Arts Troupe’s creative musical 'Sunshin' and the National Dance Company’s 'Next Step III: Choreographer Project,' and Shin Chang-yeol, head of the creative gugak group The Forest and artistic director of the 21st Century Korean Music Project, participated in the creative team. The modern young woman 'Yu-yeong,' who time-slips back 100 years to Jeongdong, is played by National Jeongdong Theater arts troupe dancer Jo Ha-neul. The 1920s gisaengs 'Hwaseon' and 'Yeonsil' are portrayed by National Jeongdong Theater arts troupe dancer Narae and guest dancer Kim Min-seon, respectively.

'Modern Jeongdong' performance photos [Photo by National Jeongdong Theater]

Jeong Seong-sook, director of the National Jeongdong Theater and participating as artistic director, said, "We began planning 'Modern Jeongdong' inspired by the history and culture of Jeongdong, the starting point of modern culture. We aimed to show the creative spirit that became the foundation of today’s modern culture by reflecting our nation’s identity, which actively embraced the flood of Western culture and the era’s changes. To enrich the performance, we incorporated a narrator-like 'soundscape' and the accordion, a representative instrument of the modern era. Through the work, we wanted to resonate with the audience by portraying the desire for independence and patriotism nurtured during a repressive period but never losing hope. Moving forward, we will continue to engage contemporary audiences with differentiated content unique to the National Jeongdong Theater arts troupe, contributing to globalization as K-culture by utilizing modern cultural heritage."

Modern Jeongdong, which opened on the 1st, will be performed for only four days until the 4th.