Crossing Over | Ritual of Grief
2016
'Crossing Over' is a two-part performance piece of contemporary dance and live audio performance, in collaboration with primary artist Bongsu Park, and choreographer Kyungmi Huh.
The opening sequence
Losing oneself in the Lethe
Leaving
The opening sequence
CrossIng Over - Ritual of Grief - Part I, 2016
Live performance at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, London
Image copyright © Bongsu Park
Sisyphus
Under the Paramitas
(from L-R) Kyungmi, Bongsu, Amit Rai Sharma
Sisyphus
CrossIng Over - Ritual of Grief - Part II, 2016
Live performance at Rosenfeld Porcini Gallery, London
Image copyright © Bongsu Park
The project was divided into two 45-minute performances.
Part I deals with the river Lethe, a river that causes anyone who drinks from it to lose memory. Central to Part I is an almost shamanistic Korean ritual. The piece deals with grief and loss, sadness and separation, and ultimately love and tragedy.
Part II, by contrast, is a reflection on life and fate and ultimately finding strength and grace in order to deal with a loss of life.
The audio for the work draws inspiration from research on Han (한) - a very complex feeling of sorrow, oppression, unavenged injustice, and isolation; unique to Koreans, as well as funderal traditions and rituals & dance; Ganggangsullae (강강술래) and Sujecheon (수제천).
Below are videos excerpts from the performances
Crossing Over Pt. I
Live performance at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, London
Video copyright © Bongsu Park
Crossing Over Pt. II
Live performance at Rosenfeld Porcini Gallery, London
Video copyright © Bongsu Park