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.

CrossIng Over - Ritual of Grief - Part I, 2016
Live performance at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, London

Image copyright © Bongsu Park

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