UH OUTREACH COLLEGE
The masked dance of Korea grew out of 18th century
ritual entertainment depicting monks and aristocrats.
The Hawaii performance will feature Kosung Village farmers.

Energetic dance of Korea
steeped in tradition

Farmers from Kosung Village
breath life into 'Masked Dance'

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Star-Bulletin

The first American performance of "Kosung Okwangdae," the traditional Masked Dance of Korea, will be presented at the University of Hawaii tonight.

This ancient and nationally treasured presentation of music, drama and dance will be unveiled at the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre before the troupe continues on to San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

"Kosung Okwangdae" is known as the "Five Clowns Play" and is unique to Korea's South Kyongsan Province. The five clowns represent the five cardinal directions of east, west, south, north and center.

Kosung Okwangdae (Five Clowns Play) Where: Earle Ernst Lab Theatre, University of Hawai'i When: 7:30 p.m. Admission: $25 at the door Call: 956-6878

The 14 members of the all-male cast are farmers who reside in Kosung Village. Their energetic dances feature geometrical leaning and leaping movements and exciting improvisational rhythms evocative of their agrarian lifestyle: a new shoot breaking free of the soil, for example, or a tree laden with mature fruits.

It is believed that this form of masked play initially began to be performed around the 10th century and became established as a distinctive form of ritual and entertainment in the middle of the 18th century. In 1964, the Korean government designated the Kosung Okwangdae as the Seventh National Intangible Property. Following this prestigious designation, the professional study of the Kosung Okwangdae was accelerated. There currently are only 30 officially designated "master practitioners."

The Kosung Okwangdae originally consisted of five scenes, including those depicting a leper, ruined aristocrats and a fallen Buddhist monk. The Hawaii performance will present selected scenes with a focus on dance. These include "T'alchangsung Kosa (An Opening Ritual)," "Mundung Kwangdaech'um (Dance of a Leper Clown)," "Yangbanch'um (Dance of the Foolish Aristocrats)," Malttukich'um (Dance of the Attendant)," "Sungmu (Dance of a Fallen Buddhist Monk)," "Chemilchu (The Chemilchu Scene)," "Sangyonori (The Song of the Catafalque Bearers)" and "Toppaekich'um (Improvisational Dance)."

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