KOREA FOUNDATION

2022 ASEAN Performance Series for Children—‘Giant Angalo’

From April through June, the KF’s ASEAN Culture House (ACH) will present a series of performances derived from ASEAN folktales. Titled ASEAN Performance Series for Children, the program’s presentations will take place on the last weekend of every month.

At 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on April 30 and May 1, Giant Angalo, a musical drama that combines the Philippine folktale “Why the Sea Is Salty” and the Korean traditional story “Magic Millstone for Salt” will be performed. In the play, an angalo (a type of mythological giant) strives to help the residents of a village but is only hurt in return. Through his story, we can share tales about friendship, trust, and consideration. We may also ponder on the peaceful coexistence of human beings and nature through the story’s villagers, who lose their salt entirely to the sea due to their unlimited greed.

The beginning and the end of the performance are graced by narrations in Tagalog, an Austronesian language spoken as first language by the ethnic Tagalog people and second language by the majority of people in the Philippines. The theme music, adapted from the Philippine folksong “Orde-e,” provides a Philippine vibe and adds to the ASEAN atmosphere. The production’s special costumes, which adopt the style of the traditional Philippine garment barong tagalog, are also appealing.

Join young viewers as they stomp their feet and clap their hands to wake up the giant, and play shakers along to the music. Travel to a fantastic island and explore a world in which everyone needs to think about the coexistence of humankind and nature. Aren’t you curious to hear the voice of the giant angalo booming through a contrabass, or the moves of red ants rendered in music through the traditional Korean gayageum?

Giant Angalo is a new type of stage work called “dance musical drama.” Its harmonious music was produced by the creative gugak group The Forest, and its movements were choreographed by the modern dance troupe Goblin Party. Formed in 2001, The Forest presents quality performances based on traditional Korean music every year, and Goblin Party are noted for the unique interpretation and unconstrained expressions of the theatrical dances that they actively stage.

Performance Series for Children Giant AngaloASEAN Culture House