Kkok-Du, by Creative Group Noni, is a contemporary adaptation of Kkodu Gaksi Norum, Korea’s traditional puppet-and-marionette play, whose original text served as a form of criticism of corrupt government officials, nobles and Buddhist monks. This modernisation employs puppets, masks, shadows, traditional Korean instrumentation, music and movement to depict a loosely connected collage of lively scenes that juxtapose the festive gut, a traditional shaman ritual for the dead, even while celebrating the living. Puppets suddenly leave the stage only to reappear in full-size, impersonated by the puppeteers themselves. While shadow puppetry is used to evocatively move the narrative forward, a painting emerges quickly on cloth. There is both recognition and confusion - an acknowledgement of the strange and foreign and of the known and native; of traditional practice and its contemporary meaning; of particular stories and universal truths.
Creative Group NONI (Korea)
Directed by: Kim Kyung hee
Playwright: A story that has been passed on orally
Dramatization by: Kim Kyung hee in collaboration with Kyoung Min sun
Date: August 7, 2011
Duration: 80 Mins
About the group
Creative Group Noni was formed in 2006 by students who graduated from the Korea National University of Arts after majoring in Performing Arts and Stage Design. All the artists have a profound understanding of traditional Korean culture, especially traditional dance, music and visual arts. The group aims to broaden their artistic capabilities by fusing traditional performance methods with modern visual languages; they continuously question how traditional techniques can continue to have relevance for contemporary audiences and explore how their creative processes can be eco-friendly to mirror the strong bonds between Man and Nature. Their repertoire includes Kkok-Du; Ignis Fatuus RIN and Param-nori.
Directors quote
“We use various techniques; introduce puppets, shadows, masks, traditional rituals and instrumentation and present our story in a contemporary style with wit and humour.” - Kim Kyung hee
Cast
Kim Kyung hee
Won Yeo jung
Yoon Jin sung
Lee Ju won
Eum Dae jin
Jang Jin gyoo
Credits
Lighting Designer: Jeong hee, Kang
Stage Designer: Won Yeo jung
Sound Operator: Mi na, Kim
Musician (Vocal)/ Traditional Vocal Supervisor: Kim So yeon
Musician (Percussionist)/ Traditional Performing Arts Supervisor: So Kyoung jin
Technical Director: Song Gi sun
Collaborate Writer: Kyoung Min sun
