MISO

"a beautiful love story"

Betty, a Korean teacher at ECC invited me along to see MISO, a traditional Korean theatre performance. Near City Hall in Chongdong Theatre the magical progression through a Korean romance unfolds in the intimate setting. The performance is set in four chapters following the seasons. Each season representing a new phase in the courtship. The dancers dress is traditional hanbok in an array of color and elaborate hair pieces. A singer and traditional percussion quartet frames the stage. Along with the 13 female dancers, two lovers, and singer there is a percussion troupe that make the show come to life with loud rapid beats and enthusiastic dancing and performing. The men wear hanbok and head pieces with a 15 ft ribbon trailing behind. They have mastered a beautiful technique that synchronizes the music and dancing with their costume. This fluttering ribbon and feather head piece accentuates the music and stage dynamic.

Betty wasn't a huge fan of the show; she said being Korean she had seen it all too many times before. But as a beginner in Korea I loved it, the dress, the music, the dancing. It was a beautiful performance and a glimpse into Korea's past.