The removal of traditional form revealed another layer of meaning: a living heritage grounded in the body. On April 3, at the National Intangible Heritage Center’s Eolssumaru venue, the third showcase performance of the “Intangible Heritage Creation Lab,” titled “Shinmyeong_The Living Body,” presented an experimental approach to reinterpreting tradition.
The “Intangible Heritage Creation Lab” is a program in which traditional performers collaborate with production specialists across planning, research, creation, and presentation, with the aim of developing contemporary performance content. The showcase brought together three teams to present the results of a three-month collaborative process.
The performance was created through the collaboration of three groups: Yeonhui Jeomchuri, Yeonhui Group THE Gwangdae, and the contemporary dance company Sinabro Gaseume. While their artistic backgrounds differ, the work was structured around a shared focus on physical movement.
The performance departed from conventional expectations. Traditional elements such as masks, costumes, and percussion instruments were not used. Instead, the stage centered on the performers’ breathing and physical movement. By removing external devices, the work concentrated on the physical principles underlying traditional performance.
Choreographer and performer Kwon Hyuk of Sinabro Gaseume stated prior to the performance, “We wanted to move beyond a binary view that separates tradition as inheritance and modernity as innovation. Our goal was to explore how embodied memory can be reinterpreted through a contemporary perspective.”
The piece develops gradually, beginning with subtle movement and breath before building in intensity. It incorporates elements such as the “eusigae” of Goseong Ogwangdae and the weight-shifting techniques of Yangju Byeolsandae, while the rotational movement associated with the sangmo is extended into group choreography. Over the course of 30 minutes, the performance builds toward a collective dynamic that suggests a sense of shared rhythm.
During the post-performance discussion, the artists shared reflections on the process. Kim Dong-hwan, head of Yeonhui Jeomchuri, said, “Coming from a background where reproducing a master’s movements was emphasized, breaking down and reconfiguring those gestures was initially unfamiliar. This project allowed me to approach movement in a different way.”
Ahn Dae-cheon, leader of Yeonhui Group THE Gwangdae, noted, “Working without instruments or props and relying solely on the body required trust among the performers. That experience was one of the key outcomes of the project.”
Although presented as a 30-minute showcase, the work is being developed with the intention of expanding into a full-length performance. Kwon Hyuk added, “We plan to further integrate lighting and sound, while refining the structure to better highlight the rhythmic qualities of traditional performance.”
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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