Hwang Jini to Be Revived in Traditional Operetta
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Hwang Jini was one of the most famous "gisaeng," or female entertainers, and a renowned poet during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
Hwang went by her gisaeng name Myeongwol, which means "bright moon." Known for her beauty, wit and intelligence, she was a talented poet but only a handful of her poetry remains today.
Her personal life, which involved romances and friendships with some of the most powerful men of her day, has inspired many TV dramas, plays and films.
Now she will be reborn in a Korean traditional operetta presented by the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts (NCKTPA).
The traditional show is based on folk songs that were popular in the Gyeonggi, Hwanghae and Pyeongan provinces.
The operetta encompasses the entire spectrum of Joseon culture, including court and literary music, folk music and dance, Buddhist dance, traditional plays, poems and calligraphy.
The story deals with the romantic relationships between Hwang and the men around her and also her pursuit for true freedom. After the death of
Nov 23, 2009