"Yelssu! Duri and Jeongjo" - King and People Playing Together - Premieres Next Month on the 12th
The Jeongjo Theme Performance Hall, operated by Suwon Cultural Foundation (CEO Kwak Do-yong), will present the original production ‘Korean Play <Yelssu! Duri and Jeongjo>’ at 4 p.m. on the 12th of next month.
This performance marks the performance hall's third year of operation and stems from practical concerns about the venue. The production was planned to explore the potential of a ‘permanent performance’ that could consistently fill the hall, while offering an entertainment experience that anyone—from children to seniors to foreign visitors—can enjoy without burden.
‘Korean Play <Yelssu! Duri and Jeongjo>’ begins with the question: "Can a king play with his people?" While previous performances featuring Jeongjo have showcased the history and achievements of the Jeongjo era on stage, <Yelssu! Duri and Jeongjo> allows children living today to directly participate in the ‘world of togetherness’ that Jeongjo dreamed of, through play.
The work begins with a chance encounter between ‘Jeongjo,’ a young king living within the set rules and formalities of the palace, and ‘Duri,’ an apprentice jester in the courtyard who can do anything but has only mimicked others, unable to find his own unique movements.
One day, following the sound of a drum, Jeongjo ventures into the courtyard where he meets Duri and experiences play without a predetermined answer. As the two share each other's movements and rhythms, they become friends and create a new play using their own unique gestures. The stage becomes a single playground filled with the spirited rhythms of samulnori (traditional percussion quartet), talchum (Korean mask dance), and sogo nori (small cymbal dance). The boundaries between stage and audience, between king and jester, dissolve.
Director Lim Young-ho handled the script and direction, with participation from △composer Lee Amin △video artist Lim Jeong-eun △choreographer Jung Chae-bin △and set designer Byeon O-yong. The traditional cultural arts label ‘Cheongnyu’ collaborated on the production. The label is a youth arts organization based in Suwon that presents diverse content blending contemporary sensibility with traditional arts.
The performance is suitable for viewers aged 5 and older. Tickets are available for 10,000 won for all seats through Nol (NOL) Ticket. Various benefits are also offered, including discounts for Suwon residents and followers of the Jeongjo Theme Performance Hall's Kakao Talk Plus Friend account. Detailed performance information can be found on the Suwon Cultural Foundation website and the Jeongjo Theme Performance Hall's official Instagram.
An official from Suwon Cultural Foundation stated, "<Yelssu! Duri and Jeongjo> is special in that today's children can directly experience the ‘world of togetherness’ that Jeongjo dreamed of through play," adding, "We hope the whole family will come together to dissolve the boundaries between stage and audience and spend a spirited time in harmony."