Drama
Artistic Traditions The Bulguksa temple is the Palace of Buddha in South Korea. It was built on top of Mt. Tohamsan in 751. It is one of the few examples of Buddhist architecture left in the world today and is a perfect representation of the religion of Buddhism. It is wrapped in lush green forests and multi-level trees that seem to watch over visitors through their age old bark. Their branches overhang the walkways surrounding the temple and an aerial photo reveals its striking dark blue roofs and pearl white courtyards. The roofs radiate Japanese and Chinese influences with the dramatic up-flicks and intricately detailed surfaces that look so beautiful that they could have been created by Buddha himself. The jade green roof bottoms are contrasted by the wooden hallways that sit atop a grey stone foundation. It is a fitting residence for the solid gold Buddhas that glow in the light.The temple of Bulguksa is of great cultural importance to the people of Korea because it is considered one of the centers of Buddhism. The temple is home to no less than seven national treasures and is actually on in itself. Bulguksa temple keeps the history of Korea alive and makes sure that many generations to come do not forget their past. It provides a sacred location for the Korean Buddhist monks to live and practice their religion and gives the Korean people one more thing to be proud of. It is also a big tourist destination that represents the rich and vibrant culture of Korea. In Korea there is a masked dance called Talchum. It was first practiced during 57BC-990AD in the three kingdoms era (when the Korean peninsula was divided into three kingdoms). It started as a traditional folk performance, but in the 1980’s, university students in the democratization movement revolutionized this art. They turned it from a small folk performance, into a demonstration which mocked aspects of communism and social life and was instrumental in the removal of democracy. Talchum is performed in a courtyard style stage with the audience in the round. Talchum is unique from other masked performances in that the audience always takes part. The audience is actually supposed to interact with the performers and help keep the beat. Sometimes, audience members are called on to improvise minor roles in the performance. The actors wear bright Hanboks (the Korean national costume) and sing and dance to the powerful drums. The drums and performers are complimented by a variety of horns and other instruments that make even the most uninterested person stop and stare. The whole ensemble walks in parks and moves around every now and then. The whole performance has very high energy and is very entertaining even if one does not know how to speak Korean. The masks are themselves an art form and their vibrant and unique designs. They are mostly made of wood, but now many are painted plastic pieces. The masks cover all of the actors’ faces and this keeps them anonymous and creates an open atmosphere. Today, Talchum is considered the highest level of Korean masked performances and is the Korean equivalent to the Japanese Kabuki dance. Talchum incorporates political and social satire and attracts people from many different walks of life. It helps people loosen up after a stressful day. It helped Koreans cope with the brutal communist rule and was one of the parts of the glue that held them together through the oppression. It continues to entertain and bring people together. It is a great product of Korea’s bright culture and history.
Juha
