Hahoe Mask Dance Drama

[soryang]

By Shim Hyun-chul Korea Times archive

The spacious square is packed with a horde of onlookers, who sway and clap to the energetic rhythm of gongs and drums. A jester hypes up the mirth with dance movements that are as droll as the grin on his mask. A rumble of laughter fills the air as the jester throws brogue-ridden lines at the crowd. There is no separation between the stage and audience, as viewers also call out reprimanding remarks to the comedian while wearing smiles that resemble his mask.

The Hahoe Mask Dance Drama originated in Hahoe Village, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, and dates back to the mid-12th century, being the oldest among the country's mask dances. It was performed by and for the common people.

Designated Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 69, the dance drama is part of a shamanist ritual for the town's peace and prosperity. It took place around the Lunar New Year's day, with an interval of three to 10 years but also on special occasions throughout the year, such as for warding off evil spirits.

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/10/153_56643.html

Wikipedia has an excellent entry describing the masks the performers wear with pictures of the masks and the village roles they represent.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hahoetal

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Interesting. Thank you ! ❤