Hong Brings Work of A Pilgrim
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Famed choreographer Hong Sin-cha is bringing the audience `` A Pilgrim,'' the upgraded version of her renowned dance work ``Pilgrimage.''
``Pilgrimage'' debuted in 1998 and was a big hit with its futuristic moves, costumes, music and concept. Until last year, it had been on stage in more than 15 countries, gaining popularity with its powerful imagery.
The New York Times reviewed it as ``a work that gently alludes to life's journey through a succession of calm, minimalist scenes that sometimes evoke the stylized stage pictures of Robert Wilson or Butoh performers.''
``After putting `Pilgrimage' on stage for the last 10 years, I thought we needed some change, both in content and costumes. I'm satisfied,'' Hong said in a recent interview with the Yonhap News Agency.
``A Pilgrim'' will still bring the similar theme of ``pilgrimage,'' but with upgraded music, costumes, settings and lighting, the difference being the overall atmosphere. And whereas the previous work started and ended in hardship, the new version will be lighter and brighter.
The concept of Hong's work was to remind the audience that life itself is like pilgrimage. It reminds audiences that everyone is fundamentally living a journey to find a certain spiritual experience, wherever and whoever they are.
``It's not just about religion, but life itself,'' she said.
Thus, Hong tried to infuse the idea of people's beautiful journey and how they finally discover happiness at the end of her work, with dancers moving swiftly and energetically to the music.
The 69-year-old choreographer, writer, dancer and vocalist is one of many representative artists in Korea. Working here and in the United States, mainly in New York, she opened the Laughing Stone Dance Theater in 1981 and has worked with some of Korea's best-known artists, such as video artist Paik Nam-june and fashion designer Lie Sang bong.
Lie also participated in ``A Pilgrim,'' having been a good friend and partner of Hong for the past 10 years.
``A Pilgrim'' will be on stage at the Towol Theater, Seoul Art Center, Feb. 6-8. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 588-6411.