Performing Korea [Hardcover]

This book offers an exploration of the intersection of Korean theatre practice with Western literary theatre. Gangnam Style, K-Pop, the Korean Wave : who hasn't heard of these recent Korean phenomena? Having spent two years in Korea as a theatrical and cultural tourist, Patrice Pavis was granted an unparalleled look at contemporary Korean culture. As well as analyzing these pop culture mainstays, however, he also discovered many uniquely Korean jewels of contemporary art and performance.

Examining topics including contemporary dance, puppets, installations, modernized pansori, 'Koreanized' productions of European Classics and K-pop and its parody, this book provides a framework for an intercultural and globalized approach to Korean theatre. With the first three chapters of the book outlining methodology, the remaining chapters test  often deconstructing and transforming in the process - this framework, using focused case studies to introduce the reader to the cultural and artistic world of a nation with an increasing international presence in theatre and the arts alike.

This new book from one of the world's leading theatre scholars focuses on the way that Korean culture and society 'presents' itself in the performing arts and through cultural performance. Patrice Pavis explores a wide range of Korean cultural productions across theatre, film, performance and music to re-evaluate the current state of theories of globalization and culture, and offers a much-needed discussion of national identity and performance from this neglected region.Prologue. Empire of Signs.- Part I. Introduction to the examples and to the method.- Chapter 1. Theatre and Theatre research in Korea and elsewhere.- Chapter 2. Globalization in a few Korean examples.- Chapter 3. Mise en sc?ne made in Korea.- Part II. On a few theatre productions.- Chapter 4. A few contemporary French and Korean playwrightslC"