As part of «Korean Culture Week» held to mark the conclusion of the first «Republic of Korea − Central Asia Summit» the South Korean show-design group Saengdonggam Crew performed at the National Music and Drama Theatre, pioneers in the creation of LED-based dance performances, the group has been blending tradition with modern technology since 2002.
Opening the cultural program, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan Lee Won-jae and Deputy Minister of culture of Turkmenistan Nursahet Shirimov delivered welcoming remarks to the large audience. As noted, the progressive nature of the engagement between the two countries received fresh impetus following the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Seoul. An important outcome of the meeting was the signing of a substantial package of documents, including a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of cultural exchange between the relevant ministries of the two states.
As a reminder, the Days of culture of Turkmenistan took place in the city of Gwangju in September. An exhibition featuring works of decorative and applied art, museum artefacts, pieces by painters and sculptors, and traditional national costumes was presented to the general public, accompanied by performances from accomplished artists. The performances by Korean artists in Ashgabat served as a natural extension of this cultural dialogue and the strengthening of ties between the two peoples.
This multidisciplinary show, which sits at the intersection of art and high technology, seamlessly integrates the traditions of the Korean people with the latest global trends. The spectacular program opened with Hwagwanmu, or the «Flower Crown Dance» − one of the most well-known and vibrant genres of traditional Korean court dance. In its modern interpretation, this dance, which symbolises a greeting and a blessing, impressed the audience with its spectacular nature. The glow of LED elements on the elaborate palatial costumes instantly filled the hall with colourful light.
Bright flashes appearing on the LED screen, in synergy with the dancers and light elements, transformed the performance into a truly fantastic and mesmerising spectacle. An impressive piece of video art vividly demonstrated the cultural dialogue between Korea and Turkmenistan. A massive video wall displayed a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, accompanied by fluid dance sequences.
Later in the evening, performers in traditional costumes presented Soljanggu − a dance featuring the changgu (an hourglass-shaped drum) which conveys the refined elegance of Korean art.
The highlight of the evening was a performance combining Obanseku with K-pop. The innovative nature of the production lies in the harmonious combination of five traditional Korean colours, the energy of contemporary pop music, high-tech LED costumes, and unique media art accompaniment.
The dynamic performance was complemented by breakdancing and live beatboxing. As performer Jeon Min-hyuk noted, the applause from the Ashgabat audience was as hot as the Darvaza crater.
The final bow of performers also turned into a spectacular performance. Dancers brought onto the stage illuminated LED panels displaying the national flags of Turkmenistan and Korea, thereby expressing their sincere gratitude to the leadership of the country for the warm welcome and the opportunity to perform at one of the most prestigious venues of Ashgabat.
