The sounds of culture, a dance of beauty and an exhibition of strength ― the National Theatre of Korea’s production of “Mupung” harnesses the tradition of “nongak” through a troupe of female performers.

“Nongak” is referred to as traditional Korean farmer’s music, which nowadays is mainly done as performance art.

In the 1950s and ’60s, before the television became the main source of entertainment, touring all-female nongak troupes enjoyed huge popularity in Korea. But their era ended in 1979, with the disbandment of the last team. 

In an effort to revive the female nongak tradition, director Jin Ock-sub has reestablished the troupe “Yeonheedan Palsandae” and now presents his modern-day nongak production “Mupung” ― meaning a stormy dance.

Although at an initial glance, “Mupung” may seem quite similar to a production that international visitors may happen upon while visiting any traditional festival or tourist hotspot, one must factor in the cultural significance of the performance.

The troupe’s members range in age from preschool children all the way to women in their 60s.

“I never thought that I would get involved with this dance as much as I have,” said one of the teen performers. “Learning nongak is very demanding ― waking up every day at 6 a.m., running 6 km. My life is just eating, sleeping, eating and sleeping.”

When asked why a young teenage girl would choose to spend her time learning traditional Korean music and dance as opposed to flocking along with the mainstream herd, basking in the sounds of K-pop, she stressed her concern for the future of traditional culture.

“Society is changing so quickly and I think our country’s traditional art and dance are already starting to fade away, it’s a real shame,” she added.

The ongoing production also includes performances by one of the theater world’s most respected traditional dancers, Kim Yoon-tae.

“Mupung” will be staged every day until Sept. 21 at the National Theatre of Korea’s KB Haneul Youth Theater. Ticket prices range from 15,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.ntok.go.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)