 |
|
 This
mask play has been enacted in the Kosong area during the
first full moon day festival (according to the Korean
lunar calendar) in the Choson dynasty. After that, they
used to perform it as spring-play and autumn-play. The
term, 'Ogwangdae' itself literally indicates 'five entertainers'.
The number, 'five' seems to be originated from the 'Theory
of Yum & Yang and Five Elements' which is one of the
traditional Oriental philosophy. We can guess from the
day of the performance (the first full moon day) that
the mask play might be held for the purpose of driving
out the evil spirits and misfortunes and praying for welfare
and good-fortunes.
As like the general Korean mask play, the story of
'Ogwangdae' is inconsistent, and it is constituted by
five 'Kowjang' (a kind of subdivision of mask play)
in which each scene has different contents and independent
story.
The dance of this mask play is so refined and graceful,
and it is usually performed with slow tunes. That's
why it is regarded as the most representative mask dance
of Namdo area.
 
The first Kowjang : ¡°The Madang(a kind of unit of scene)
of An Leper¡¯s Drum Dance¡± The leper is actually the
descendant of ¡®Yangban¡¯ (the aristocratic and noble
class in the Choson dynasty). But he was seized with
leprosy due to the accumulated sins and faults of his
ancestors, and became the social outcast. In this scene,
he shows his resentment and displeasure through dance.
The
Second Kowjang ¡°Ogowngdae Madang¡± (Five entertainers
scene) There are a Malttugi(the servant of Yangban)
and five Yangbans in this scene. The Yangban used to
deal with the common people inhospitably and enjoy all
social benefits and privileges as the noble class in
the Choson dynasty. Hence, the Malttugi very severely
satirizes and criticizes the Yangban¡¯s status and character,
and then the five Yangbans submit to him. This scene
lets us see the depraved Yangban and the resentment
of the people in the Choson dynasty.
The
Third Kowjang ¡°Sungmu Madang¡± (Buddhist dance scene)
This scene makes fun of the monk who breaks Buddhist
commandments and morals.
The
Forth Kowjang ¡°Bibi (Yongno) Madang¡± (Bibi scene) The
Bibi (it is a kind of imaginary being which has animal
head and human body) slaughters and eats all beings
in the world. It threatens and ridicules Yangban who
oppresses the people.
The
Fifth Kowjang ¡°Jomilju Madnag¡±(Jomilju scene) During
Yonggam (literally means an old man or lord) enjoys
with Chop (concubine), he suddenly faces with his wife.
After that, the Chop delivers baby and the wife takes
and hugs the baby. But the Crop envies the wife and
then tries to take back the baby. During their fighting,
they miss the baby unfortunately. The Chop vents her
anger on the wife and beats her to death. Finally bierbearers
carry the wife¡¯s funeral bier to outside. This scene
lets us see the family tragedy due to a keeping concubine
custom.
|
Home
< major performance < Kosung okwangdae 
