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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.

PAMS Choice 1
PAMS Choice 2
PAMS Choice 3
  • 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.
Original Work Gansanje Sugungga Director Sangsook Ri
Co-creation Ipkoason Sorikkun Yujin Shin
Outside Sorikkun Seunghee Lee Gosu Hong Sik Kim, Hyang Ha Lee, Joon Kyu Jeong
Singer Wonseok Jo, Jin Soo Han Performer Kwangsu Kim, Jong Hyuk Kim, Taewon Ahn, Dong Keun Lee, Kyungtae Ji
Stage Designer Kyungsik Nam Sound Designer Taesoon Jang
Light Designer Yu Jin Lee Translation Kyung Hoo Lee
Stage Manager Hyemin Na Executive Producer Hyunjin Yu
Producer Soyoung Son Duration(Full-length/Showcase) 90 mins/40 mins
Tour Size 17(12 performers, 5 staff members) Contact Producer Soyoung Son(ipkoason@gmail.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