MASK OFF (탈바꿈)
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York, National Dance Company of Korea & National Theater of Korea
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026 - Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2026 5:00 PM
Venue: Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: FREE (Pre-registration is Required)
* RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Limited same-day standby tickets will be available.
* Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
The moment the mask comes off, a new self emerges
Mask Off looks beyond the ornate costumes, accessories, and visual images typically associated with “tradition,“ and instead delves into the breath, form, and movement that lie at its core. Choreographer Lee Jae-hwa, who has long explored the essence of “contemporary Korean dance,“ draws inspiration from talchum (Korea’s traditional mask dance) to break away from fixed ideas of what is considered “Korean.“ Talchum is a traditional masked dance known for its satire of social issues and the ruling classes during the Joseon Dynasty. Performed outdoors for common people, it features raw breathing, exaggerated gestures, and energetic physicality— elements that, in many ways, resonate more closely with street dance than with other traditional forms. Focusing on these dynamic qualities, Lee reimagines the methodology of talchum as a contemporary language of movement that speaks directly to today’s audiences. The music is composed and performed by Park Da-ul, a geomungo artist celebrated for redefining the instrument’s expressive possibilities with his bold and innovative sound. The charged synergy between the dancers creates an electrifying experience, delivering a surge of energy that reverberates through the entire stage.
◆ NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY OF KOREA
Credit Choreographer & Director ㅣ Lee Jae-hwa
Music Director & Composer ㅣ Park Da-ul
Stage Designer ㅣ Shin Seung-yeol
Costume Designer ㅣ Kim Ji-won
Lighting Designer ㅣ Won Jae-sung
Sound Designer ㅣ Lee Sang-hyun
Video Designer ㅣ Lim Young-sun
Stage Manager ㅣ Oh Sang-young
Chief Producer ㅣ Oh Ji-won
Producer ㅣ Oh Su-jeong
◆ NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY OF KOREA
Founded in 1962, the National Dance Company of Korea is Korea's leading dance company with strong repertoires accumulated under the leadership of the best dance artists of their times and with members of exceptional talent and abilities based on a wide range of performing experience. It has been at the forefront of creating very distinct contemporary works with traditional elements. The National Dance Company of Korea is constantly moving forward to develop original works that can resonate with the contemporary audience.
* This program is presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and the KOFICE (Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange) as part of the "Touring K-Arts" project.