A Festival of Korean Dance 2024: Burnt Offering
Burnt Offering by 99ArtCompany
SAT 25 MAY, 19:30 l The Place
A sublime evocation of life; a danced ritual for our times. Most dances from all over the world originated from ‘religious rites’. Burnt Offering invites us to consider what new rituals we need, what we might pray for, and how we can draw on the traditions of the past. It is based on the traditional dance ‘Seungmu’, and uses Korean music, voice and dance to express the contemporary stories that are burning within us.
“Jang’s choreographic language was rich in meaning, extremely physical and skilfully structured.” Maggie Foyer, Dance International Org
Dancers gather at the altar and offer their sacrifices one by one. They are caught up in repetitive daily routines, their life burning away without meaning, but when they look up, clouds of incense float into the air, and a dance commences which burns with a noble spirit, enveloping all the senses, to resonate with the soul.
In a world that grinds us down, this is a ‘burnt offering’ for meaning, beauty and peace.
“It didn’t just appeal to emotions or have excellent technique, it also resonated with the soul with its sincerity… a proper harmony of East and West.” Jang Jiwon, Dancepost Korea
Images
About 99Artcompany
99Artcompany focuses on expressing the uniqueness of Korean tradition through contemporary stories, and is a group of like-minded artists led by choreographer Jang Hye-rim under the motto of ‘dance that resonates with the soul.’
Founded in 2014, 99Artcompany recognises that tradition is not standardised but can constantly change and develop even in this era. Jang Hye-rim strives to create authentic works that resonate with audiences, emphasising the importance of the role of art in driving change in our society.
After being selected as the Best Choreographer by Critics' Choice in 2015, Jang Hye-rim has participated in Changmu International Dance Festival (2016), Pams Choice (2017), Seoul International Performing Arts Festival (2016, 2018, 2020), Traveling Korean Arts (2019), and Italy Operaestate Festival (2019). By participating in the Russian Open Look Festival (2020), the Italian Cultural Institute (2021), the Brazilian SESC Dance Biennale (2021), and the Singapore SIFA (2023), 99 Art Company is introducing its own unique works that embody Korean tradition.
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Cast and Creatives
Choreographer and Dancer: Hye-rim Jang
Dancers: Seoyi Jang, Gowoon Lee, Sookyung Lee
Music Performers: Jinah Hwang, Hwayoung Lee
Content Awareness:
There will be some smoke from the incense during the performance.
Duration: 55min
