Suyeong Yaryu (Mask Dance Drama of Suyeong)

Yaryu (field play), performed in coastal areas such as Suyeong, Dongnae and Busanjin, developed from the ogwangdae mask plays of inland South Gyeongsang Province, which travelled along the coast; the name yaryu is said to derive from the fact that it was performed in open, field-like spaces. Whereas ogwangdae was an urban mask drama performed by professional entertainers, yaryu was a play indigenised by non-professional performers, that is, by the villagers themselves. Suyeong Yaryu is performed on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, after rites are held for the mountain spirit, a spring, and the tomb of General Choe Yeong, once the moon has risen. It is said to have begun some 200 years ago when an official holding the post of naval commander (susa) of Jwasuyeong invited a troupe of daegwangdae performers from Bammari in Chogye (present-day Yulji-ri, Deokgok-myeon, Hapcheon-gun) to perform, and his subordinates learned the play by watching them. The play consists of four acts – the yangban (nobleman) dance, the yeongno dance, the dance of the old woman and old man (halmi and yeonggam), and the lion dance – and before the performance a gillori procession is held, in which the performers, dressed in masks and costume, parade to the site of the performance to the sound of music. When the play ends, the masks are gathered together, a rite is performed, and they are burned while good fortune is prayed for. There are twelve characters – the head yangban, the second, third and fourth yangban, the young master of the head family (jongga doryeong), Malttugi (a servant character), Yeongno, the old woman (halmi), the old man (yeonggam), Jedaegaksi, a lion and a tiger – fewer than in other regions. It deals with satire of the yangban class and the problems arising between a wife and a concubine, offering a glimpse into the life of the common people. A distinctive feature is that, unlike other yaryu plays, it has no dance of a leper character, but has a lion dance instead. Suyeong Yaryu is a mask dance with a history of some 200 years, a traditional outdoor play that combines a ritual character with social commentary and artistic merit.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suyeong-gu, Busan

Designation

National Intangible Heritage · 국가무형유산