Performers open a window on Korea

By Marc Shulgold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 4, 2008 at 7 p.m.

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It's been a high-profile year for Asian nations jockeying for international attention. China welcomed the world to its Olympic Games. Earlier, North Korea hosted a historic visit by the New York Philharmonic.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea seems to believe in bringing the mountain to Mohammed. Saturday at the Buell Theatre, two dozen performers from South Korea will bring a colorful sampling of their age-old music and dance to Colorado.

"This will be a look at real Korean culture," said Young Cho, chairman of the event, titled "Colorado Forever." The name, he said, focuses on the strong presence of his homeland in this state, as well as those citizens' love for the region.

"There are 40,000 Koreans living in Colorado, 30,000 of them in Denver," the retired businessman pointed out. "And there are 300 (American) families who have adopted Korean babies." As Cho notes in the program book, "Our community appreciates the state's awesome beauty and magnificent colors."

For those with deep Korean roots, Saturday's performance should offer a nostalgic picture of their homeland. For those born here - as well as non-Koreans curious about the rich cultural history of this little- known country - the program can serve as an open door to a new world, Cho suggested.

The event, co-sponsored by the San Francisco-based Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, intends to cement the relationship between that country and this state. "The Korean government sent the performers, paid for their (flight) and other expenses," Cho said.

As with other countries working to join the international community of industrialized nations, Korea finds itself managing a balancing act. "It is a modernized country," Cho said, "but we realize we need to preserve our old traditions, to identify Korean roots."

Among the artists appearing Saturday are several honored by the Korean government, including two designated as "national living treasures."

For those experiencing Korean music and dance for the first time, the story lines and subtleties of the art form will be introduced by master of ceremonies Jamie Kim. "The focus will be 50-50, between native Koreans and Americans, but Kim will be gearing things toward the Yankees," Cho said with a grin.

Korean Traditional Performing Arts

* When and where: 7 p.m. Saturday at the Buell Theatre, 14th and Curtis streets

* Cost: $20 to $70

* Information: 303-695-5571 or centerartsticketing.com

* Of note: The Korean troupe Festive Land offers "Colorado Forever."

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