WEBZINE ACC

Young individuals who embody elements we encounter in our daily lives take the stage with modern music and percussion instruments that enliven the atmosphere, along with contemporary dance, media art, and a minimalist stage design that eliminates unnecessary distractions. And shortly after, a broadcast announces the "2030 Project," a policy aimed at encouraging unmarried young adults to marry as a measure to address the population decline in the near future. The broadcast informs that if one does not register for marriage within a few days, all essential institutional support for their livelihood will be discontinued. Why have not they married and what choices will each of them make? Is a different life possible?

<Dongsangggi> pansori musical
Tackling modern society's issues of marriage and youth problems, taking inspiration from classical plays

The media continues to report on the seriousness of the issues of youth aversion to marriage and low birth rate, addressing the population crisis in the near future. Despite the implementation of various government policies related to childcare support, the rates of marriage and birth are in decline, indicating a reversal of the trend. Can we consider it from the perspective of the youth? This is not just as an issue concerning young people, but a core issue of national social problems.

In the midst of such awareness of these issues, the performance that was planned is none other than <Dongsanggi>. This production is inspired by the content of the first traditional Korean play, <Dongsanggi> which is based on actual events during the Joseon dynasty under the reign of King Jeongjo. The original <Dongsanggi> depicts the society of Seoul in the late 18th century where the government helps young individuals who could not get married due to their poverty or social status. At the end the play praises the king. While drawing inspiration from the classics, the actual content of the performance incorporates a modern perspective by addressing the contemporary concerns and realities of young people today, not solely focusing on solving the issue of marriage as an institution. These elements have been creatively woven into the storytelling of the pansori adaptation.

Listening to the stories of youth such as the eldest son of a family, struggling with unemployment, disabled youth, and sexual minorities through Pansori was both unfamiliar and refreshing. Particularly, the dialogues delivered through music and Pansori were empathetic and enjoyable to listen to, perfectly complementing each other. It breaks down the fixed perception of traditional Pansori performances and creates an intriguing and immersive experience, almost as if the music inserted into a play or musical performance is Pansori itself.

ACC Asia Content Performance Development Contest,
supporting new creative experiments

This performance is the selected work of Yerak, a performing arts group based in Gwangju, for the 2022 ACC Asia Content Performance Development Contest. The ACC has conducted a pilot performance last year, and this year's production is the culmination of such efforts. Yerak is a group that transcends tradition and modernity, seamlessly blending Western music and traditional Korean music, without being bound by genre boundaries.

Kim Bo-ram, the representative of Yerak, stated, "We strive for performances that resonate with and bring joy to the audience, trying to approach the audience." Introducing this production, he explained, "Based on our strengths, we aimed to create a new form of art that combines traditional elements with a contemporary worldview and artistic expression."

He stated that the music received the most attention and effort in this performance. Upon examining the production team, it is evident that there are five names credited for composition. In an attempt to explore new musical approaches rather than following conventional methods, they decided to commission composition to all five composers. Although they created a total of 30 to 40 songs, only 1 to 2 songs made it into the final performance. Unable to find the desired songs, the five composers eventually embarked on a collaborative creative process, working tirelessly day and night for about a month. Thus, the songs for this performance were created through that process.

“This creative experiment for such new attempts was made possible thanks to the support from the ACC. As a non-profit organization with little budget, it is challenging for us to engage in new creations," stated Kim Bo-ram, the representative of Yerak.

An open-ended conclusion led by a sincere exploration,
imbued with fun and enjoyment

Hee-jip, a perennial civil service exam candidate, Yeon-rye, a girl who needs to take care of her family, and Moo-yong, a sexually minor individual. They have been running away from marriage for their own reasons. A mysterious turtle leads them to Sam-wol, the owner of the southern forest. Upon hearing Sam-wol's advice to accept things as they are, they start to contemplate what kind of life they truly desire. They make a decision to repair the old, worn-out boat at the pier and set sail. However, they are three individuals with different thoughts and goals. On the day when the boat is ready and they are set to cross the sea, the broadcast for the 2030 Project that pressures them reaches its registration deadline. Hee-jip and Yeon-rye, excluding Mu-yong, are consumed by increasing anxiety and fear, unable to make any decisions. And the performance comes to an end. The open-ended conclusion may be contemporary, but as an audience member, there is a lingering sense of burden from the profound contemplation of decisions, feeling like a weighty task on the heart.

The production team mentioned that there were numerous discussions and deliberations regarding the ending, and it remained a conflicting aspect until the very end.

A good artistic experience provides new insights and reflections within the realm of "enjoyment.”

As they drink the "Moonlight Elixir" in Sam-wol's space, the desolate and ruinous place suddenly transforms into a paradise-like setting. It is possible that some audience members may have missed the moment of transformation. The "Moonlight Elixir" was simply water illuminated by moonlight, not a special magical substance. If we shift our perspective, perhaps the current challenging situation can be transformed into a happy space. It was a metaphorical setting representing the attitude towards the perception of the present and the future.

"As artists living in the contemporary era, we are individuals who contemplate and engage with the social issues of our time. With the hope that the many stories and discussions derived from the performance can lead to solutions, we aspire for the emergence of effective policies and the initiation of progress towards a better society. It is from this perspective that we planned this performance. Indeed, embarking on new endeavors does not always come with a clear roadmap and predictable outcomes. The creative process is often challenging and demanding. We are eagerly awaiting the feedback from the audience," says Kim Bo-ram, the representative.

However, what we ultimately desire from the audience is for them to enjoy the present moment of watching this performance, just as a nine-year-old child who watched it twice and found it entertaining. Indeed, a good artistic experience has the potential to offer both enjoyment and reflection simultaneously!