November 14-16 at the Yeakdang of the National Gugak Center
The classic novel "Chunhyangjeon" is often remembered as a story of pure and devoted love between a man and a woman who overcome class boundaries. However, upon closer examination, it is actually a tale centered on a love triangle involving Lee Mongryong and Byeon Hakdo, both vying for Chunhyang's affection.
The National Gugak Center Dance Company will present a new performance that intensifies the conflicts between characters by introducing a love triangle involving Chunhyang, Hyangdan, and Lee Mongryong. The show, titled "Chunhyang Danjeon," will be staged at the Yeakdang of the National Gugak Center from November 14 to 16. By adding the character for "red" (丹, dan) to the title, the production aims to highlight Hyangdan, who is often overshadowed by Chunhyang, and to portray a love even more passionate than in the original work.
In "Chunhyang Danjeon," the story takes an unpredictable turn when Mongryong mistakes Hyangdan, who is wearing Chunhyang's skirt, for Chunhyang herself and kisses her. As Hyangdan develops feelings of love, she becomes consumed by both desire for Mongryong and jealousy toward Chunhyang. Nevertheless, the personalities of Chunhyang, Mongryong, and Byeon Hakdo remain largely unchanged from the original. The pure and devoted love between Chunhyang and Mongryong endures, and Hyangdan is depicted as an even more tragic figure than in the original story. As the performance progresses, Hyangdan's jealousy and obsession gradually transform into madness.
National Gugak Center Dance Company Regular Performance 'Chunhyang Danjeon' [Photo by National Gugak Center]
National Gugak Center Dance Company Regular Performance 'Chunhyang Danjeon' [Photo by National Gugak Center]
Kim Chunghan, Artistic Director of the National Gugak Center Dance Company, is responsible for both direction and choreography.
Artistic Director Kim Chunghan stated, "I directed the performance by overlapping the psychology of people living in our current era with the original Chunhyangjeon," adding, "The times we live in tend to be more extreme, and I wanted to capture aspects that audiences today can relate to."
In this reinterpretation, Hyangdan, who in the original could not even dream of Mongryong due to her social status, is portrayed as a character who honestly reveals her desires, further amplifying the conflicts between the characters.
The members of the National Gugak Center Dance Company express the characters' emotions and convey the story through a variety of traditional dances, including Hansam Dance, Doyeol Dance (Drum Dance), Sword Dance, and Gisaeng Dance. As this is a dance drama, there are no spoken lines, but songs are used to aid the audience's understanding.
Artistic Director Kim Chunghan explained, "The National Gugak Center Creative Orchestra composed the theme song," adding, "Members of the National Gugak Center Jeongak Orchestra will perform the theme song to further emphasize the pain of separation." Regarding the stage, he noted that meetings and partings between characters will take place against the backdrop of a bridge symbolizing Gwanghallu Pavilion.
The role of Chunhyang will be performed by choreographer Baek Mijin and company member Lee Hakyeong. The role of Hyangdan will be played by principal dancer Lee Yunjung and associate principal Lee Dokyeong, while the role of Mongryong will be portrayed by principal dancer Kim Seoryang and company member Yoon Jonghyun. The role of Hakdo will be performed by company members Park Sangjoo and Jeong Hyeondo; Wolmae by choreographer Kim Hyeja; Bangja by instructor Kim Taehun; and Yibang by associate principal Jeon Suhyeon.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
