Yangju Byeolsandae Nori (Mask Dance Drama of Yangju)

Yangju Byeolsandae Nori is a mask dance drama in the sandae-nori tradition, handed down in the Yuyang-ri area of Junae-myeon, Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Sandae japhui (山臺雜戱), a variety entertainment transmitted from the Goryeo dynasty into the late Joseon period, became popularised among professional performer groups, giving rise to a 'bonsandae' (original sandae) tradition in Seoul, from which it was transmitted to Yangju. This drama represents the mask dance tradition of the central region and, together with the mask dances of the Haeseo region, is one of the Korean mask dramas richest in theatrical spectacle. It comprises eight scenes in total: the first, the dance of the Sangjwa (acolyte); the second, the Omjung and the Sangjwa; the third, the Mokjung and the Omjung; the fourth, the Lotus Leaf and Nunkkeumjeogi; the fifth, the Palmokjung play; the sixth, the Old Monk; the seventh, the Saennim; and the eighth, Sinhalabi and Miyalhalmi. Characters such as an apostate monk, a fallen nobleman, a shaman and a female entertainer appear in the drama, which uses dance, pantomime, witty remarks and humour to satirise reality. It was performed on occasions such as Buddha's Birthday, Dano and Chuseok.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangju, Gyeonggi

Designation

National Intangible Heritage · 국가무형유산