Special Exhibitions of Museum of Performing Arts of Korea

Window to Iberian puppetry presents Spanish and Portuguese puppets, displays 165 pieces of artistic style from the 18th Century until our days. This exhibition shows many of the different techniques (string, rod, glove, etc.) that Spanish puppetry uses reflecting the unique aspect of marionettes and stage setting.

The Korean puppetry will provide an opportunity to see live images of “Baltal” (feet-mask) live performances which have been passed on as intangible cultural assets of Korea’s puppetry. Baltal technique consists of puppet actors and human actors using masks on their feet playing out various forms of stories and jokes. String and rod puppets’ methods are used accompanied by the music of five traditional musical instruments showing influences of puppetry and mask plays.

The original works of the great stage designers who directed the National Theater’s special group performances from the 1950s to the 1980s are exhibited. In the age before computers were introduced, stage designers produced the performances with their own hands, and that’s why they’re so important in Korea’s performance history. Here, they are being presented for the first time.

New techniques applied in the performances of the 1990s are showcased. You will see advanced stage designs and performance videos with more elegant techniques from the use of computers.

The National Changgeuk Company was founded in 1962 with the goal of 'Internationalization and the formulation of Changgeuk.' (It is a kind of music drama based on pansori of its musical method).

After its foundation, the 5 generic units of pansori were bases to form the Changgeuk. It also developed the repertoire of 'Young Changgeuk' and has been focused on spreading, and introducing abroad the Changgeuk.

The National Dance Company was established in order to improve the dance industry abided in poor conditions. During the founding year in 1962, the company tried many diverse ways of dances in their performances to pave their ways in the industry.

In 1973, the company was divided into the two groups: the National Ballet Company and the National Dance Company. This marked them to stand as a professional dance company.

Also, it adjusted the Korean dance to modern elements throughout the years, and with these efforts a stable theatric work was created with remaining traditional Korean essence. Yet the company is continuing its improvements.

In 1962, Korea National Ballet started as a part of the National Dance Company. Later in 1973, the National Ballet Company became independent and was separated from the National Dance Company entity.

Since then, it has contributed to popularization of the contemporary ballet and other diverse famous ballet performances. In 2000, it became a sole foundation and is currently working as the resident performing company in liaison with the Seoul Arts Center.

Korea National Opera was established in 1962 in order for acquirement of performance professionalism and advancement of standard. As it has been introducing major opera works of their birthplaces, the company sustains efforts to organize sophisticated operas with artistic value and popularity by producing creative operas embracing Korean culture and emotion.