The National Theater Company of Korea has unveiled its latest Korea-France joint venture “Shigane Nai,” following the state-run theater company’s recent premiere of the play “The Empire of Light,” which was adapted from Kim Young-ha’s popular novel.

“Shigane Nai,” which translates to “The Age of Time,” is a coproduced contemporary dance performance by the National Theater of Korea and France’s Theatre National de Chaillot in line with the Korea-France Year 2015-2016 that celebrates the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.  

The production is a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean dancing with choreography by Jose Montalvo, an executive choreographer of Theatre National de Chaillot. The choreographer is famous for his combinations of diverse dance styles, such as a past work that paired flamenco and hip-hop, to create fresh, new genres.

While in Korea last year, Montalvo watched dancers of the National Dance Company of Korea in a cultural performance. They had performed to the sounds of “buk,” or Korean barrel drum. He said that he could not help but notice the exuberant way in which Korean traditional dances are choreographed. The choreographer has utilized this same concept of “blissful” dancing in “Shigane Nai,” which features a total of 24 dancers.

Besides its historical and traditional influences, the production also combines the use of video technology with modern dance choreography.  

“Modern dancing suffers the issue of pursuing modern things only by ruling out all the past,” said Montalvo in an official statement from NCTK. “I find combining the capabilities of National Dance Company of Korea dancers with both the physical and musical technologies of Korean tradition to be so marvelous.”

“Shigane Nai” will be staged at the National Theater of Korea’s Main Hall until March 27. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won ($17.29) to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.

Following its local premiere, the production will move to France where it will be performed at the Theatre National de Chaillot in June.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)