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PAMS

PAMS Choice

PAMS Choice and PAMS×SPAF Choice introduce outstanding contemporary performing arts
from Korea to the global stage through showcase and full-length performances.

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IPKOASON
  • Showcase
  • Multidisciplinary/Others
  • Pansori
Sugungga: The Absurd Song of Underwater Power IPKOASON
  • 10-13(Tue) 16:30


  • Haneul Round Theater, National Theater of Korea
  • #IPKOASON #Pansori #Sugungga #StagePansori #ContemporaryPansori
Introduction to the work

Sugungga—a contemporary reimagining of the classic pansori narrative is one of IPKOASON’s signature works. In this beloved tale, the ailing Dragon King seeks a rabbit’s liver to cure his illness. A turtle is dispatched to bring the unwitting donor to the Underwater Palace, but the clever rabbit ultimately escapes through wit and deception. Reconstructed through modern theatrical sensibility, the piece rearranges the power dynamics between the rabbit, the turtle, and the palace authorities with sharp satire and refined dramatic art forms.

The work turns inherited form with contemporary presence by expanding pansori's traditional rhythms, melodies, and gestures into new stage vocabulary, IPKOASON’s precise musicality, fluid physicality, and meticulous direction revive the familiar folktale as a story that resonates strongly with present-day realities.

Celebrated as “Sugungga for our time,” the piece stands as a compelling example of how traditional Korean performance can evolve within the landscape of contemporary theatre.

IPKOASON

IPKOASON is a collective of singers and drummers dedicated to creating pansori. ‘IPKOASON’ literally means ‘mouth of singer and hand of drummer’. Its goal is to expand the possibilities for creating and defining pansori. To transform and broaden pansori, IPKOASON constantly experiments with various forms and elements of performance. IPKOASON continually "makes pansori" from the preparation up to the final show. Its ongoing pursuit is the creation of a new process that shuns conventions.

Here is a table explaining the program details. It consists of direction, cast, composition, music director, showcase time, composition, tour personnel, original work, contact information, and development support.
Director Sangsook Ri Stage Designer Kyungsik Nam
Sound Designer Taesoon Jang Light Designer Yujin Lee
Stage Manager Jimyeong Kim Sorikkun Yujin Shin
Co-creation/Outside Sorikkun Seunghee Lee Co-creation/Gosu Hyangha Lee, Hongsik Kim
Gosu Junkyu Jeong Performer Kwangsoo Kim, Dongkeun Lee, Yukyung Sung, Taewon Ahn, Kyungtae Ji
Singer Wonsuk Jo, Jinsu Han Executive Producer Hyunjin Yu
Producer Soyoung Son Duration(Full-length/Showcase) 90 mins/40 mins
Tour Size 17(12 performers, 5 staff members) Age Limit Ages 7 and above
Contact | Producer Soyoung Son(ipkoason@gmail.com) Website http://www.ipkoason.com
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Review
  • "Very nicely put together. Technically assured. It is of itself and it is confident of that."
    — Lyn Gardner, British performing arts critic, Associate Editor of The Stage

group photo