October 31 to November 2
At Theater Yong, National Museum of Korea
The National Museum Cultural Foundation will present the special performance "The Theater of Reflection" at the Theater Yong of the National Museum of Korea from October 31 to November 2.
This production marks the fourth installment in the "Theater of Reflection" series, which began in 2022. It is a collaborative work by composer Yang Bang Ean, director Min Saerom, and playwright Jang Seonghee.
The series was inspired by the "Room of Reflection," which displays the National Treasure Pensive Bodhisattva, a signature artifact of the National Museum of Korea. It has evolved into a music exhibition concert that blurs the boundaries between exhibition and performance, integrating music, video, and space. Following "Eumryu" in 2023 and "Transcendence" in 2024, this year’s performance is subtitled "Sa-yU," exploring the theme "From Reflection to Transcendence, From Transcendence to Consolation" and delving into the cyclical emotions within the human mind.
Composer Yang Bang Ean depicts a journey that transcends time and space through melodies that interweave contemporary music, traditional music, and orchestral elements. He stated, "I expressed in music the three sensations visitors experience in the Room of Reflection: the sense of transcending reality, the sense of embracing the dynamism of life, and the sense of returning to the heart." He added, "This performance expands the tranquil atmosphere of the Room of Reflection through music, video, and the language of light, inviting the audience to transform from mere observers to those who dwell within the experience."
Director Min Saerom has created a stage where light, music, and video breathe together. He explained, "A museum is a space where time stands still, but the moment art permeates, it begins to move again. This performance is not a stage that simply presents something, but a journey where the audience directly experiences the sensations of reflection." In addition, a short play written by playwright Jang Seonghee will be presented as a video, offering a unique sensory experience where the language of text and the language of music meet.
The performance centers around Yang Bang Ean’s piano and orchestral music, with creative teams from sound design, video, lighting, and stage art collaborating to reinvent the concept as a music exhibition. An installation artwork will also be displayed in the lobby, allowing the entire space to become a unified artistic experience.
Jung Yongseok, President of the National Museum Cultural Foundation, stated, "'The Theater of Reflection' is a work that encapsulates the artistic sensibility and philosophy of its creators. It will offer audiences a chance to rediscover emotions and thoughts forgotten in daily life. Just like the smile of the Pensive Bodhisattva, I hope each person finds comfort and reflection within themselves through this performance."
"The Theater of Reflection" will be performed three times (Friday to Sunday), with each performance lasting 75 minutes. Tickets are available through Ticketlink, and further details can be found on the National Museum Cultural Foundation website.
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