siren eun young jung

Lyrics 1,2,3

Lyrics 1,2,3 is part of siren eun young jung’s Yeosung Gukgeuk Project (2008-). The work closely follows first and second generations of Yeoseong Gukgeuk actresses, who later became an important source of inspiration for the artist. Formally, this genre of theatre draws from Westernized aspects of traditional Korean music performance as well as from adaptations of pansori, a Korean genre of musical storytelling, to create what could be called a staged version of traditional Korean opera. Yeoseong Gukgeuk was widely popular in the 1950s before and after the Korean War. Yet, though Yeoseong Gukgeuk met considerable success, it gradually lost momentum after the 1960s. Today Yeoseong Gukgeuk is almost extinct alive because it’s not being taught or invested in. The video work Lyrics 1,2,3 analyzes and reassembles images of the interiors and exteriors of the stages that were once occupied by first and second-generation female Yeoseong Gukgeuk actresses So-ja Lee, Young-suk Cho, and Deung-woo Lee. Widely known as gadagg a villainous supporting role, sammai, a skilled person’s supporting role, and nimai, a leading role, these outstanding actresses playing male characters are seen getting ready offstage for their onstage performance. The work highlights their affection for the stage by focusing on their daily activities offstage, wandering through landscapes, discovering objects, remembering past moments, acting, and singing.