청주 농촌 들녘에서 펼쳐지는 ‘우수 마당극 큰 잔치’

In a bustling rural park in Cheongju, a grand celebration of the "Excellent Openair Play Great Feast" took place. Refreshing breezes and the sound of greenery added to the atmosphere. On April 4-6, the Cheongju Arts Factory Dure announced the event would be held in the Cheongwon-gu, Jucheokhyeong's courtyard in Cheongju City. Dure, established in 1984, is a troupe of renowned performers who have been entertaining the public for over 40 years.

The courtyard where the feast is held was built by King Sejong to treat his eye disease, and he stayed there for 120 days. After leaving the newly renovated park, one is immediately greeted by fields of rice paddies, fields, and grasslands. The open-air play feast is also a gift for those who have stood the heat and hardship of the open-air play over the years.

Dure reached out to nearby villages in Jucheokri, Jucheok-eup, by bus to invite residents as audience members. Volunteers known as "Dure Dangsil" were also recruited to welcome and assist elderly audience members during the event. Performances from various groups across the country took center stage, including the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation Society's performance of "Tongyeong Ogwangdol," and the Korean Southern Dramatic Arts Dramatic Arts' "Eulji Nol."

Performances by the Seoul-based group "Dongsil Dongsil Kkajibakbak" and the Dramatic Arts group "Mindeure," as well as the "Nunchanghanpan Nolabose" of Ch'ang'an, Chungcheongnam-do's traditional performing arts troupe, were all part of the lineup. The "Hutong" percussion ensemble of Ch'ang'an, the "Kindhearted Kim Sam-bong" performance by Dure, and "Sori e Kudasari Sori e Muite" by famed singer Jeon A-ra brought the festivities to a close.

Five characters including the "Five Clowns" of Dure, who appear "never before seen in five times," presented their performances regardless of time, place, and circumstances. Various activities such as face painting, stage makeup, brush writing, and traditional games were also held. Kim Chang-gon, Dure's planning director, stated, "We have prepared many performances where audiences can enjoy together in the open-air play and program in the heat, the sweat, and the worry. I hope this time becomes a moment to breathe and regain strength for those who are struggling."