SOAS, 24 February 2006 Many thanks to Dr Keith Howard of SOAS for putting together a fascinating half-day colloquium on Korean music. Presentations were as follows: Simon Mills’s (SOAS) subject was the rhythmic drum patterns (Changdan) used in shamanistic ritual on the East coast of Korea. He focused on the startling digressions (Tokkaebbi changdan) which … [Read More]
Month: February 2006
Lee Seung-u: The Reverse Side of Life
Peter Owen, 2005, 208pp Translated by Kong Yoo-jung Originally published as 생의 이면, Seoul, 1992 A partly autobiographical novel exploring the life story of a prominent Korean writer growing up in the second half of the twentieth century. [Read More]
Yi Chong-jun: Your paradise
(Green Integer, 2004) Translated by Jennifer Lee, Timothy R. Tangherlini Originally published as 당신들의 천국, Seoul, 1976 A puzzling story about the struggles of successive managers of a leper colony to improve the lot of the lepers. I think the Complete Review shares my puzzlement. One of the best-selling novels of 20th Century Korean literature, … [Read More]
Yi Mun-yol: the Poet
Yi Mun-yol: The Poet Translated by Chong-wha Chung and Brother Anthony of Taizé (First published in Korea in 1992. This edition, Harvill 1995) A novel based on the life of a 19th century poet, Kim Sakkat, exploring his development as an artist against the backdrop of the insurrection by Hong Kyong-rae in the north-west. I … [Read More]
Kang Chol-hwan: Aquariums of Pyongyang
(Basic Books 2001) A harrowing autobiographical account of a young boy’s experience in a North Korean concentration camp. Essential reading. Links: Buy Aquariums of Pyongyang at Amazon [Read More]
Theatre visit: Ye-Gam Inc – Jump
A highly entertaining mix of slapstick, gymnastics and martial arts. The first half lacked structure, though it served to introduce the different characters in the “family”. Valiant members of the audience were also dragged up on stage. The second half was much more fun, with a comic story-line to hold things together. Knowing references were … [Read More]
Think Korea: Jump comes to the Peacock
An energetic show comes to the Peacock as part of Think Korea 2006. Jump 7 – 26 Feb 2006 Peacock Theatre | Portugal Street | London WC2A 2HT) Introduction 2005`s sell-out extravaganza of feet, fists and fun entertains all ages with hilarious, spectacular acrobatics Key Talent of Show Presenting Korean new hit show, the spectacular … [Read More]