• Journal of Popular Narrative
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.45-86
• /
• 2020

In this article, the "modernization of the tradition" constructed on the cultural politics and the way in which it appropriated in the korean theatre in the 1970s were analyzed. It is trying to reveal its implications. It is also a work to critically review the aspects of self-censorship in the korean theatre in the 70s. To that end, we looked at the theatre company Minye Theatre, which preoccupied the traditional discussions in the 1970s by creating national dramas. Until now, the evaluation of the theatre company Minye Theatre in the 1970s has focused on the achievement on the directing of Heo Gyu, who promoted the succession and transformation of tradition. However, the traditional ideology constructed in the state-led cultural politics in the 70s and the way in which it was operated cannot be evaluated only in terms of artistic achievement. The ideology of tradition is selected according to the selective criteria of the subject to appropriate tradition. What's important is that certain objects are excluded, discarded, re-elected, re-interpreted and re-recognized in the selection process of selected traditional ideology. This is the situation in the '70s, when tradition was constantly re-recognized amid differences between the decadent and the disorder that were then designated as non-cultural, and led to a new way of appropriate. The nation-led traditional discussion of the '70s legalized the tradition with stable values, one of the its way was the national literary and artistic support. Under the banner of modernization of tradition, theatre company Minye preoccupied the discussions on the tradition and presented folk drama as a new theatre. As an alternative to the crisis of korean theatre at the time, the Minye chose the method of inheriting and transforming tradition. It is noteworthy that Heo Gyu, the representative director of the theatre company Minye, recognized the succession and transformation of traditional performance as both a calling and an experiment. For Heo Gyu, tradition was accepted as an irresistible stable value and an unquestionable calling, and as a result, his performance, filled with excessive traditional practices, became overambitious, especially when it failed to reflect the present-here reality, the repeated use of traditional expression tools resulted in skilled craftsmanship, not artistic creation. The traditional ideology of the 70s unfolds in a new aspect of appropriation in the 80s. In 1986, Son Jin-Cheok, Kim Seong-nyeo, and Yoon Mun-sik, who were key members of the theatre company Minye Theatre, left the theatre to create the theatre company Michu, and secured popularity through Madangnori(popular folk yard theatre). Son Jin-Cheok's Madangnori is overbearing through satire and humor. It gained popularity by criticizing and mocking state power. On the other hand, not only the form of traditional performance, but also the university-centered Madanggeuk movement, which appropriated on the spirit of resistance from the people to its traditional values, has rapidly grown. In the field of traditional discussions of the 70s, Madanggeuk was self-born through appropriation in which the spirit of resistance of the people is used as a traditional value. Madanggeuk as well as Michu that achieved the popularization of Madangnori cannot be discussed solely by the artistic achievement of the modernization of tradition. Critics of korean theatre in response to state-led traditional discussions in the 70s was focused only on the qualitative achievement of performing arts based on artistry. I am very sorry for that. As a result, the popular resistance of the Madanggeuk and the Madangnori were established in the 'difference' with the traditions of the theatre company Minye Theatre. Theatre company Minye Theatre was an opportunity for the modernization of tradition, but the fact that it did not continuously produce significant differences. This is the meaning and limitation of the "tradition" of the theatre company Minye Theatre in the history of korean theatre in the 1970s.

• Journal of Korean Theatre Studies Association
• /
• no.48
• /
• pp.385-419
• /
• 2012

Son Jinchaek got into his directing career since 1976 when he founded the theatre group Minye with Huhgyu and others. His experience in Minye was the turnaround of his life; Huhgyu was a teacher in his artist's life whereas Brecht was a teacher for his ideology to make 'Korean Theatre'. From these two teachers, he learned how and why Korean Theatre should be made. Since then, Korean theatre was his calling for 40 years of his directing career. As he established Michoo in 1986, it served a turning point in his art. His focus was on intrinsic attributes of Korean Theatre with Madang Jungshin. With Madang Jungshin, he tried to get over the former generation's fixation on external materials of Korean traditional theatre and folk culture to make Korean Theatre. Rather, he believed Korean Theatre could be realized when it grafted Korean social reality onto the stage, while the form was subsequent. He advocated Korean Theatre should mirror present social reality and circulate social energy. Also, he did not give up aesthetics. On the contrary, his aesthetic style was conspicuously evident in his productions. In spite of his life long career with noteworthy works, the critical discourses are strikingly scarce especially when compared with other senior and peer directors such as Hugh Gyu, Ahn Minsoo, Oh Taesok, and Lee Yoontaek. During his career he has crossed into various genres from Changeuk, Madangnori, and to theatres, which were too versatile to thread them into a discourse and caused a lack of theoretical greeting. Madangnori has anchored its artistic structure on its polished aesthetics which were acclaimed by the general audience for 30 years. For theatre, he concentrated on one production per year to grasp its own style. Theatre works also had revealed his own style of being opened and of being emptied which was certainly different from Madangnori, but had same aesthetic principle within it. This paper attempts to recompose his stylistic features with 'Madang aesthetics' which were based on open space, open acting style, and graphic ensemble. This paper tries to demonstrate how his 'Madang aesthetics' has refined his productions in scenography, acting style, and in more like metaphoric and metonymic symbolic expression of the graphic ensemble. To do this, two productions were explored: eLee Chunpoongjeun and Yulha Ilgyee Manbo. Madangnori was sorely explored by Son Jinchaek with his artistic colleagues Yoon Munshik, Kim Jongyeup, Kim Sungnyu, music designer Park Buhmhoon, and choreographer Guk Sooho. Though it has been ignored for its popular appeal by the doctrinaire theoretical opinions, it started to pull academic attention recently. His theatres are also getting sharp with his 'Madang aesthetics' as well as minimalistic expression in scenography, acting style, and graphic ensemble. Madang Jungshin is the soul and Madang aesthetics is the body in his artistic works. The Madang Jungshin animates the Madang aesthetics, so they become alive in his theatre.

• Journal of Korean Theatre Studies Association
• /
• no.40
• /
• pp.5-27
• /
• 2010

The Korean Mask-Dance Theatre has been developed closely related to Korean Shaman rituals. As many scholars noticed, the performers of the Mask-Dance Theatre were closely related to the Shaman family. In addition, there are mask-dance performances in actual shaman rituals. and are the representative performances among them. This essay intends to compare these two mask-dance performances in the shaman rituals to the similar performance of Old Grandpa and Grandma episode in the regional Mask-Dance Theatre. This study would bring us further in proving the close relation between the shaman ritual and the Mask-Dance Theatre. is one episode, Keori, in the shaman ritual of 'Baeyeonsin-kut' and 'Taedong-kut' in the mid-west seashore area. 'Taedong-kut' is the village shaman ritual for fertility and prosperity, while 'Baeyeonsin-kut' is a private shaman ritual for a large catch of the ship. is held in the later part of the whole shaman ritual since the later part tend to be more for entertainment than actual ritual. The story of is very similar that of in Pongsan Mask-Dance Theatre of the mid-west region. In addition, some of their dialogues are very similar. Only the later part is different. These similarities indicate that the Mask-Dance Theatre, which came into being in later period than the shaman ritual, has likely taken the story motif of the shaman ritual. is also a performance in the shaman ritual of east coasts. is more elaborate and recreational than of the west coasts. is also performed near the end of the ritual, and sometimes it is not performed at all. This indicates that has little ritual meaning left. When we compare it with the regional Mask-Dance Theatres such as Keosung Okwangdae, Tongyong Okwangdae, and Suyong Yaryu, the structure and the story lines are also very similar. It is a question why only the motif of the Grandpa and Grandma isfound both in the shaman ritual and the Mask-Dance Theatre. Many other motifs of other episodes in the Mask-Dance Theatre are not found in the shaman rituals. It seems that the Grandpa and Grandma motif is related to the ur-belief in fertility. In other words, this motif seems to be originated from the old belief in the fertility couple of Chonha Taechanggun and Jiha Yeochanggun. The shaman ritual for fertility first picked up this motif, and then the mask-dance theatre also adapted this motif for its recreational purpose. When we compare with , still has more aspects of fertility ritual, while lost its ritualistic meaning and its main purpose is to develop dramatic needs. and are invaluable existent performances to prove theatre's origin in ritual. The existence of mask-dance performances in the shaman rituals shows us the transit performance between theatre and ritual.

• Journal of Korean Theatre Studies Association
• /
• no.40
• /
• pp.307-344
• /
• 2010

Cultural Studies built on the critical mind of New Left exposes the relationship between culture and power, and investigates how this relationship develops the cultural convention. It has achieved the new perspective that could make us to think culture and art in terms of political correctness. However, the critical voices against the theoretical premises of Cultural Studies have been increased as its heyday in 1980s was nearly over. For instance, Terry Eagleton, a former Marxist literary critic, declared in 2003 that the golden age of cultural theory is long past. This essay, therefore, intends to show the weak foundations on which the approaches of cultural studies to theatre rest and to clarify the general problem of their introduction to theatre studies. The approach of cultural studies to theatre takes the form of 'top-down inquiry' as it applies a theory to a particular play or historical period. In other word, from the theory the writer moves to the particular case. The result is not an inquiry but rather a demonstration. This circularity can destroy the point of serious intellectual investigation as the theory dictates answers. The goal-oriented narrow viewpoint as a logical consequence of 'top-down inquiry' makes the researcher to favor the plays or the parts of a play that are proper to test a theory. As a result it loses the fair judgment on the artistic value of a play, and brings about the misinterpretation. The interpreter-oriented reading is the other defect of cultural studies as it disregards the inherent meaning of the text, distorting a play. The approach of cultural studies also consists of a conventionality as it arrives at a stereotyped interpretation by using certain conventions of reasoning and rhetoric. The cultural theories are fundamentally the 'outside theories' that seek to explain not theatre but the very broad features of society and politics. Consequently their application to theatre risks the destructive criticism, disregarding the inherent experience of theatre. Most of, if not all, cultural theories, furthermore, are proven to be lack of empirical basis. The alternative method to them is a 'cognitive science' that proves scientifically our mind being influenced by bodily experience. The application of cultural materialism to Shakespeare's is one of the cases that reveal the limits of cultural studies. Jonathan Dollimore and Water Cohen provide a kind of 'canonical study' in this application that is imitated by the succeeding researchers. As a result the interpretation of has been flooded with repetitive critical remarks, revealing the problem of 'top-down inquiry' and conventional reasoning. Cultural Studies is antipodal to theatre in some respect. It is interested chiefly in the social and political reality while theatre aims to create the fiction world. The theatre studies, therefore, may have to risk the danger of destroying its own base when it adopts cultural studies uncritically. The different stance between theatre and cultural theories also occurs from the opposition of humanism vs. antihumanism. We have to introduce cultural theories selectively and properly not to destroy the inherent experience and domain of theatre.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.15 no.10
• /
• pp.46-55
• /
• 2015

This study is to re-read Yun, Baek-nam(1888-1954)'s editorial "Theatre and Society" from the perspective of postcolonial criticism. He was a man of the theatre who pursued practical interests in compliance with the colonial reality under the rule of the Japanese imperialism. His advocacy of theatre development work was based on the Japan-directional reformism and on Japan-friendly in following after Japan's improvement policy. His general discussion on Western theatre history had considerable errors as a result of focus on the social role and utility of the theatre. But his vindication of theatre-actor opened an era of interaction between theatre and intelligence in Korea. In addition, his enlightening view of a theatre became such as one of the cornerstones for the Shinkug Movement during Japanese colonial period in Korea.

• The Korean Journal of Archival Studies
• /
• no.29
• /
• pp.35-78
• /
• 2011

This study is intended to recommend for acquisition methods of the theatre collection. Theatre activities is representative of the performing arts, and the Korea theatre history start from the modern history of Korea. In the meantime, theatre collections has already been lost by a lack of effort and management, and scattered most of the collections. In particular, a one-off nature and volatility of theatrical performances make future generations to enjoy the performances and to study should consult the relevant records. Therefore, collecting records can be very serious mission. In this study, theatre collections of the country which aims to collect and analyze the characteristics and type of theatre collections. Based on this information, collection scope, targets, priorities, acquisition level, method of collecting are proposed the following. First, collection scope is defined for the theatre related collections which was performed nationwide in the 1900s, the times that modern theatre was begun. The object includes related information of planning, administration, drama (script), directing, stage design, public relations, production, evaluation, personal records, biographical data, group data and space data. Second, the theatre collections are divided into records and historical records. Priority of collections object is determined by the historical value and the theatre performed by the support of public organization. Third, the acquisition level is divided into archived, mirrored, web linked and database, which is proposed by the determined levels of mandatory, recommend and discretion according to the characteristic of performance. Fourth, acquisition methods are suggested by the general acquisition methods of transfer, donation and purchase as well as the methods of copy, production, legal deposit, entry and web link etc. The acquisition of theatre collections is executed on digital-based environment, and a centralized authority control should be establishmented. And through the development of network with theatre's stakeholders and the cooperation of related organizations, theatre collections acquisition is feasible.

• Lingua Humanitatis
• /
• v.6
• /
• pp.359-380
• /
• 2004

Considering Korean feminist theatre is not successful at all these days, it is needed to find the reasons of its crisis. As two Korean feminist theatre Scholars argued, the crisis owed to the structural problem from the start. That is the Korean feminist theatre started and developed depending on the imported popular feminist plays without social and cultural self-consciousness. Once the imported feminist theatres were flourished, some theatre companies pursued the commercial success blurring the feminist issues. It was resulted into the intentional ignorance in and out of the theatre society. While, some feminist plays were too inclined to the agit-prop without artistic sophistication. This essay tries to examine how the feminist theatres have been developing and what kinds of feminist performances have been made until now. And it intends to emphasize that the play text should be based on the Korean women's past, present, and future reality. Besides, they have to delve into the problem by which the Korean women were trapped in historical, social, and cultural environment. To make the women's matter the social issue at present and fur the future, the Korean feminist theatre should re-find its place as the socio-cultural forum. First, Korean theatre should cooperate with the other women's group crossing the different disciplines of the society, the culture, the politics etc . Secondly, we need to observe and watch where and how the distortion happens in women's matter, and react to correct it. Thirdly, we need to discover, to support, and to protect the women centered perspective of some playwrights as well as the performers. Co-writing or co-performing is also very positive to diversify the women's subjects. Lastly, to protect the feminist theatre against the consumerism, they need to have the financial support from the government or some civil society.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.15 no.8
• /
• pp.4844-4852
• /
• 2014

Many festivals are based on overseas municipalities 'city image marketing' planning. This trend is gradually reflected in this country as with the Kimcheon International Family Theatre Festival in the Republic of Korea. Gimcheon promotes itself as the central city of happiness 'city image marketing'. Most of these dimensions are in the middle of planning a festival when the Manjiman Kimcheon International Family Theatre Festival Theatre Festival, and the differentiation of the other audiences that drive successful practices in terms of box office need to be determined. This paper presents the history and status of the Kimcheon International Family Theatre Festival Theatre Festival and others based on the reports point out the distinction of a 100% share of the audience for the fifth consecutive year to analyze the cause. In particular, with local art and local performing arts festivals, audiences through a combination of 'show' Theatre Festival are also indirectly involved in the 'touch and feel' willingness to participate. In the Kimcheon International Family Theatre Festival there are significant challenges for improvements in significance.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.16 no.7
• /
• pp.633-639
• /
• 2016

Putting his 'Panic theatre' aesthetics into practice, Fernando Arrabal is a leader of the avant-garde theatre. Creating ${\ll}$Guernica${\gg}$, Arrabal's play, in a dance theatre format, this study tries to analyze the group pathos in fanatical conscious and poetic movement. Logic analysis is based upon the pathos value of the theatre of the Absurd that transcends the unrealistic and the illogic on the authority of dual element of the internal opposition and contradiction of human beings. In ${\ll}$Guernica${\gg}$, the dance of the Absurd found expression in the group pathos phenomenon of fanatical conscious, and was analysed as a new framework of communication structure.

• Journal of Korean Theatre Studies Association
• /
• no.49
• /
• pp.75-100
• /
• 2013

An on-going creative process was the major principle of Kantor's artistic endeavors. Kantor's emphasis on process grew out of his frustration with the experience of creation being isolated from the audience in the present time, during the moments of encounter. At the same time, however, Kantor was always aware of the fact that the first night of each and every performance that he made was the last point of his creative intervention. Despite being performed live in the present time, Kantor saw theatre essentially as an end product. This does not mean that Kantor abandoned the concept of on-going process, for process was for the artist a means to reject the idea of a finished work of art and to denounce the feeling of satisfaction derived from the traditional denouement in representational theatre. For him, theatre that dominated his time isolated the audience from the art work and the artist, and from this perspective his continual emphasis on process should be understood as an aesthetic principle in order to open up and expand the dimension of art into the realm of the spectator so that the experiences of both the artist and spectator may coexist. The heaviest barrier that separated the artist and his work from its audience was the creative structure that governed Western art. In theatre it was the dramatic structure that was the main object of his series of severe challenges. Not only did it fail to represent reality but it distorted reality, creating nothing but artificial illusion. Under this condition, all that was permitted to the audience was mirages. However, Kantor never completely discarded illusion from his theatre. The point for him was always to created a circumstance where the illusory reality of drama comes to exist within the dimensions of our reality. It was Kantor's belief that instead of a total denial of illusion, his theatre should strategically accommodate illusion which comes from reality. And, the aim of Kantor's theatrical experiments was to invite the audience into this ambience and transform the experience of his audience into a much more participatory one. This paper traces the ways in which Kantor transgressed the dominating conventions of representational, literary theatre, and how such attempts induced an alternative mode of spectatorship. The study will begin from an investigation into Kantor's attitude towards illusion and reality, and then move onto a closer inspection of how he spatially and dramaturgically materialized his concepts on stage, giving special focus on Wielopole, Wielopole.