Hyeontaek Oh, the youngest choreographer in this project by the Arts Council Korea, set out to explore the complexities of life for people in their mid-20s in today's world. His piece delves into themes of love and conflict, changing identities, and the transformation of personal journeys. To bring these abstract concepts to life, Oh created a set of choreographic rules, including the use of coded movements, dancers pushing each other, and incorporating moments of embrace.
Choreography "Trans" Concept Video #1
Through ongoing conversations with Hyeontaek, we worked to refine the core themes of the piece. What began as an exploration of confusion evolved into an examination of love and war, ultimately revealing the irony between protection and aggression, and the bonds formed in the struggle to maintain personal values. As these ideas took shape, I suggested expressing them through four distinct movements, giving the audience glimpses into the intentions behind the piece and what they could expect to experience.
Choreography "Trans" Concept Video #2
To capture the essence of the performance visually, we distilled the concept into three key elements: glamorous, bold, and intense. These qualities combine to create a dynamic overall performance while leaving a lasting, attractive impression on the audience. The choreography employs several techniques to maximize emotional impact, including the use of muscle movements to create curved, fluid impressions. By juxtaposing intense fight scenes with soft, intimate embraces, the piece highlights the contrasts inherent in confusion. White costumes and chairs symbolize purity but are employed in unexpectedly intense ways, further emphasizing the dynamic nature of confusion.
Choreography "Trans" Concept Video #3
Despite significant resource constraints, this project was brought to life through creativity and resourcefulness. It was produced with zero budget, using only a Sony A7C camera and a small lamp heading toward the ceiling for overhead lighting. The performance was shot in a tiny 35.58 sq ft (3.3 sqm) training room, with strategic lighting used to conceal the background panels. This production demonstrates that with imagination and ingenuity, impactful art can be created even within tight limitations, offering a powerful exploration of the youthful experience in today's world.
Choreography "Trans" Concept Video #4