Mask Off looks beyond the ornate costumes, accessories, and visual images typically associated with “tradition,” and instead delves into the breath, form, and movement that lie at its core. Choreographer Lee Jae-hwa, who has long explored the essence of “contemporary Korean dance,“ draws inspiration from talchum (Korea’s traditional mask dance) to break away from fixed ideas of what is considered “Korean.“ Talchum is a traditional masked dance known for its satire of social issues and the ruling classes during the Joseon Dynasty. Performed outdoors for common people, it features raw breathing, exaggerated gestures, and energetic physicality— elements that, in many ways, resonate more closely with street dance than with other traditional forms. Focusing on these dynamic qualities, Lee reimagines the methodology of talchum as a contemporary language of movement that speaks directly to today’s audiences. The music is composed and performed by Park Da-ul, a geomungo artist celebrated for redefining the instrument’s expressive possibilities with his bold and innovative sound. The charged synergy between the dancers creates an electrifying experience, delivering a surge of energy that reverberates through the entire stage.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 1, 2026 5:00 PM

Admission: FREE (Pre-registration is Required)