GTN will present “Traditional Art of Korea” by the Gugak National Center

As part of the celebrations for 60 years of friendship and diplomatic relations between Peru and the Republic of Korea, the Grand National Theater of the Ministry of Culture will present on Tuesday, May 2, at 8:00 p.m., the fascinating show of music, dance and folklore “Traditional Art of Korea”, created and produced by the National Gugak Center, a solemn institution in charge of preserving and promoting the traditional performing arts of the Asian country.

The staging will be free for the Peruvian public and will contemplate a series of performances, songs and choreographies executed for centuries in important festivities (such as Seollal and Daeboreum), adding to the program palatial, courtly melodies and other artistic genres such as “Changgeuk ” (Korean musical drama).

Attendees will enjoy six exceptional numbers full of talent, skill and elegance: “Honam Udo Garak-Salmunori” (country music), “Fan Dance”, “Seungmu” (Monks’ Dance), “Gayageum Sanjo”, the popular song “Arirang” (considered almost a hymn) and “Pan-gut” (representation of ancient customs, rituals, shamanism, music and theater), the latter two declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2012 and 2014, respectively .

“Honam Udo Garak-Samulnori” is a musical performance with four percussion instruments: Ggwaengwari (small metal gong), Janggu (hourglass-shaped double leather drum), Buk (small barrel-shaped drum) and Jing (medium metal gong). Originally, “Samul” was the name for the four instruments (beomgjong, beopgo, unpan, and mokeo) that were played in Buddhist temples. With the emergence of the new genre Samulnori, pungmulnori becomes a large-scale event that brings together entire communities in the open air in Iksan, Kimje and Gochang, Jeolla-do province.

“Fan dance” is a common custom in Korea with eccentric costumes and synchronized movements. During the dance, the fine lines of a fan are highlighted, expressing different natural phenomena by gently spreading, folding, dispersing or turning it. The use of elegant, picturesque and colorful costumes harmonizes perfectly with the energetic steps of the dancers and the folkloric content.

The “Seungmu” (Monk Dance) was originally performed by Buddhist monks in special ceremonies. It consists of holding the drumstick in a long sleeve and swinging it gracefully. The beauty of the act is appreciated in the concentration and balance of the artist, while splendid melodies sound on a refined drum.

“Gayageum Sanjo” is considered the essence of Korean traditional instrumental music. It arose with the gayageum (12-string chordophone invented in the 6th century during the Kingdom of Gaya), but which was later applied to the sanjo (a style that involves the crystallization of rhythm and melody) to contribute to the creation of an extensive and varied.

“Arirang” is the lyrical song passed down orally for many generations, a tribute to life, the people’s anthem that reflects the Han and Heung of Korea. It represents emotions and transcends regions, encourages mutual respect and peaceful social development, a musical composition that definitely encompasses the past, present and future.

The “Pan-gut” is a type of nong-ak, the culmination of an integral art that includes dance, percussion and theatrical elements to pray for the prosperity and well-being of village communities in an agricultural society. Nong-ak developed in a variety of ways, reinforcing community ties and fostering cultural creativity. It includes Jinbeopnori (collective performance) and Gaeinnori (personal), demanding high-level musical skills and interpretive skills from the participants.

To be part of the event, the public can register for free from Thursday April 27 on the social networks and website of the Gran Teatro Nacional or through the Joinnus.com platform.