A Maskostume for All
Korean mask traditions vary according to the region.The area is rich in a variety of different mask making styles and performance techniques.This “Maskostume” is based on the Talchum tradition.Talchum literally means masked (tal) dance (chum).In Korea, folkdances such as Talchum developed as commerce and industry grew and began to divide people into economic classes.Talchum was very popular during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).The Talchum masked dance represents the commoners struggle and frustration of living underneath a corrupted ruling class.The play was very critical of the wrongdoings of the aristocrats and monks.By wearing masks, the performers were able to release their frustrations while concealing their identity.Communities would come together for these performances which made no real distinction between performers and spectators.In the end of most Talchum’s the audience and the performers become one in a collective dance and song.The Talchum’s developed as entertainment that expressed the feelings of the general population.It was theatre for the people.There are many different types of Talchum performances.This particular “Maskostume” is based on the Pongsan Mask Dance which criticizes monks and noble men for being corrupt.The lion appears in this dance to punish a corrupted monk.Bongsan Talchum was passed down from the Haeseo area and was performed in May.
