 Dancer-choreographer Lee Jeong-yun directs a rehearsal for “Endless Voyage” last week in Seoul. Right, ballerina Kim Joo-won, who will perform with three other renowned dancers including Lee in the production, practices. / Courtesy of SAC |
‘Endless Voyage’ to showcase Lee’s original choreography
By Lee Hyo-won
Many arts and culture experts point out how narrow-sighted it is to think that K-pop and TV dramas are all there is to “hallyu” (Korean wave) content, and an arts center is stepping forward to explore the possibilities of fine art genres such as dance.
With this is mind, Seoul Arts Center (SAC) will open the New Year by inviting stars of top Korean dance troupes to perform together this week.
“Endless Voyage,” to be staged Wednesday and Thursday at the Opera Theater, will not only provide a rare opportunity to see principal dancers of the National Dance Company of Korea, Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC) and Universal Ballet Company (UBC) on the same stage, but also premiere original choreography, sets and music by some of the country’s iconic artists.
During the past couple of years the local arts scene witnessed an unprecedented “ballet fever”: local productions enjoyed sell-out performances for the first time and also garnered mainstream appeal through popular TV programs featuring dance, while budding young Korean talent triumphed in international competitions and forayed into top-tier companies.
There have been many gala shows featuring highlights of popular ballet productions or local premieres of modern imports catering to the growing number of fans — but rarely has there been such an ambitious project showcasing something altogether new.
KNBC’s Kim Joo-won, and UBC’s Hwang Hye-min and Ohm Jae-yong will stage “Endless Voyage” by the National Dance Company of Korea’s Lee Jeong-yun. Lee has not only played lead roles in works such as “Dance Chun-hyang” but also emerged as a noted young choreographer through, most notably, last year’s “Lee Jeong-yun & Etoile.”
“Endless Voyage” depicts the seemingly endless voyage of lone sojourners who travel through memories and emotions amid the backdrop of a serene sea. The piece is divided into six parts: Prelude — Twilight, Emotion, Love, Solitude, Serenity and Prologue — Dawn. Hwang and Ohm, who are famous for dating in real life, will most naturally depict Love.
Art director Kim Myeong-gon has created a simple white stage symbolizing the bow and mast of a boat for the 70-minute piece. Celebrated fine art photographer Koo Bohnchang will present what is expected to be experimental images and videos, while Kim Tae-gon, a composer renowned for commercial, film and TV drama scores, will provide the music.
Lee says he wanted to explore the core of the human experience, which lies in the basic cornerstones of emotions.
“Ballet dancers usually play fictional fantasies that seem disparate from life, so I wanted to tell a story about us. Life experience often begins from basic emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, pleasure, love, shame and disgrace,” the dancer-choreographer said during a press rehearsal last week in Seoul.
“After the boat sails off, a man and woman fall in love and marry. But then as the boat meanders through the sea, the woman awakens by herself and dances a sad solo sequence as she looks back to memories of the past romance. But she rediscovers hopes and dreams as she endures the heart-breaking solitude, which is expressed in a mask dance. It’s all about searching for the truth and a peace of mind, and the boat finally arrives at its destination.”
While Lee’s dance features mainly classical ballet techniques, it also combines modern elements and most notably Korean traditional movements. Lee said his choreography is rooted in local traditions.
“I’ve been a fan of Kim Choong-han (art director of Chongdong Theater) ever since I saw his performance as a middle school student,” said Lee, who has won the Dong-A Dance Competition with Kim’s piece.
“Ballet is a dance that strives for the heavens while Korean dance is about reaching down to the earth. I feel like I am right between the two. Korean dance is not antiquated; I wish to present how chic and graceful it can be and help promote it by choreographing and dancing as much as I can.”
“Endless Voyage” will be staged at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 90,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300 for more information.
![[INTERVIEW] A touch of authenticity in Korea's Mexican cuisine scene](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/fe12560b2c8f402dbfc2dbc8eaa18c2a.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] US-NK summit is unlikely in 2023: Korea Society](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/e955fbc4d45d4554a4872e07178b657a.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] IMF expects no recession for Korean economy](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/113efdff98f448669023285500576943.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] 'Extended deterrence is best option to ensure peace on Korean Peninsula'](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/newsV2/images/202302/07dded4a953e426e87a955bfba1d638e.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
![[INTERVIEW] Production company AStory expects great success with 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' franchise](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/06bfe09b25694aafbd347202cbad4257.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
