Ballet musical “Shim Chung” depicts a Korean folk tale of Shim Chung, a poor young girl, and her loveing but blind father. It will on stage at Seoul Arts Center June 8-18. / Courtesy of the Universal Ballet

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The Universal Ballet will present their ballet-musical “Shim Chung,” a Korean traditional folk tale, this coming June.

A modern musical twist has been added to the ballet rendition of a touching yet entertaining folk tale of a young girl and her love for her blind father.

The original folk tale “Shim Chung” depicts the journey of Shim Chung and her poor, blind father. Desperate, Shim Chung throws herself into the sea in exchange for rice for her father from fishermen in need of a sacrifice. Rescued by the king of the sea, she becomes a queen and holds a feast for the blind, determined to find her long lost father. The two finally reunite and the father, surprised by his daughter’s return, regains his eyesight.

For an easier approach to the work, the performance will offer songs with lyrics, unlike classic ballet, and also mime to describe the details of the story.

“Many think ballet as difficult. Perhaps it’s because there are no words. But this can actually make ballet easier to understand because movement is universal. With `Shim Chung,’ we merged ballet with the elements of musicals and plays,” Park Soo-hyun of the Universal Ballet’s publicity team told The Korea Times.

“Shim Chung” will also present the essence of Korean tradition, with colorful tutus that resemble hanbok, Korean traditional clothes, and songs that have a hint of traditional sounds.

The Universal Ballet have already staged easy and fun ballet performances in the past, including another Korean folk tale, “Chun Hyang.” According to Julia Moon, the general director of Universal Ballet, the troupe will continue to bring out new and original performances.

“For beginners, I would recommend an easy performance like `Shim Chung,’ and then to move on to classical ballet. We thought of the concept `ballet musical’ in order to bring ballet closer to the public. Anyone can easily become a ballet fan,” Moon said in a recent interview.

Along with the stunning costumes, dances and stage presentation, prima ballerinas including Kang Ye-na, Hwang Hye-min and Rhee Hyon-jun will present their talent to ballet fans. Interestingly enough, an American ballerino Joshua Peugh will also appear as Lady Baengduk, one of the main characters and the ruthless stepmother of Shim Chung.

“Because Shim Chung is based on a folk tale, it’s especially unique. I am trying to make my own version of the character that is already widely known to the Korean public,” Peugh told The Korea Times.

“You can learn a part of Korean culture and values (through Shim Chung). It’s playful and a great tool to bring the audience closer to ballet,” he added.

The ballet musical “Shim Chung” will be staged at the Seoul Arts Center June 8-18. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.com or call (02) 2204-1042.