WORLD THEATRE TRADITIONS
TALCHum mask
The traditional Korean mask
dance, or talchum, is a form of
drama featuring the wearing of
masks, singing and dancing. It
was originally a regional term
only applied to mask dances
traditional to Hwanghae
Province.
Talchum is comprised of
several scenes or chapters
(gwajang), which deal with
distinct episodes in a separate
way. No scene is directly
connected to the others and
each presents a different
conflict and theme.
VIDEO
Hahoe Village Ritual Mask
Dance
Scenes featuring noblemen
(yangban), apostate monks
(pagyeseung) and old women
(miyalhalmi) are included
across nearly all mask dance
performances.
www.blackbox.education
dance
Talchum uses a powerful step
known as the sawichum, which
is performed by leaping in the
air while swirling around the
hansam (long white sleeve).
This creates particularly
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dynamic and spectacular
Talchum Masks
movements.
Actors will modify their lines depending
on the atmosphere and will vary their
performance to encourage an audience
response. From the perspective of the
audience they are not simply observers
of the performance, but join in with the
PHOTO ESSAY actors in the festive mood.
The Bawdy, Brawling, Boisterous World
of Korean Mask Dance Dramas