Award Winning Contemporary Korean Ballet - La Chun Hyang

The Kim Geung Soo ballet company present a show which provides a contemporary take on a traditional Koran tale at the Peacock Theatre on the 19th of July.

Chun Hyang, the title of the production is the heroine of the Korean folk tale Chun Hyang Jeon which focuses on the themes of female chastity and true love.

The production aims to highlight that despite geographical distances between Renaissance England and 19th century Korea, they share several significant socio-historical similarities. Both societies were in transition from the old to the modern world.

Chun Hyang shows a women’s sacrifice for the egoism of men, moral prejudice and social convention.

Choreographer Kim Geung Soo has adapted this piece to explore what would happen if Chun Hyang lived in this era.

In the same vein of Matthew Bourne’s modern Swan Lake, this is a modern dance for a modern audience.

This modern adaptation sees Chun Hyang removed from the traditional settings and standing amongst skyscrapers, wearing miniskirts and heels. The story folds into the audition culture which has become so prevalent around the world as shows such as the Xfactor gain more popularity. It also examines the power that entertainment companies have to make or break dreams.

Fundamentally the message of the piece is that love conquers all.

The production blends dance, style, humour and emotion to create a powerful story for our time.


Awards for La Chun Hyang

1) 2009 Seoul Foundation Arts and Culture – Creative Performance Support

2) 2010 Korea Dance Production Competition – Grand Prize

3) 2010 Korea Ballet Foundation – Best Dance Production of the Year

This is an opportunity for the British public to experience Korean culture in London for free.