Kontemporary Korea presents Burnt Offering
by 99ArtCompanyAbout Kontemporary Korea presents Burnt Offering
A danced ritual for our times.
'Je' Burnt Offering, winner of the Best Production Award at the 2nd Seoul Arts Awards, invites us to consider what new rituals we need, what we might pray for, and how we can draw on the traditions of the past. Based on the traditional dance ‘Seungmu’, it uses traditional Korean music and movement to express contemporary stories.
Burnt Offering’s meaningful work illustrates that art, faith, and life are all cyclical, even if there are many differences each time around.
It didn’t just appeal to emotions or have excellent technique, it also resonated with the soul with its sincerity… a proper harmony of East and West
'Je' Burnt Offering explores the arduous labour and life of a person living today, drawing from the rhythms and melodies of Seungmu, a Korean folk dance, and the meaning of ‘Je’, an ancient ritual passed down through generations.
Utilizing the rhythms and various beats of Seungmu, this dance performance, created based on Korean dance and accompanied by live gayageum and geomungo performances, possesses a unique colour and charm unparalleled worldwide.
It naturally resonates with the audience by conveying a message of encouragement and comfort for our lives, drawing parallels between the daily existence of modern people and the sublime ritual of ‘je’.
Dancers gather at the altar and offer their sacrifices one by one. They are engrossed in repetitive daily routines, searching for meaning, and the clouds of incense seeping across the stage envelope their senses and stir their imagination. In a world that grinds us down, this is a ‘burnt offering’ for meaning, beauty and peace.
Its London debut at The Place in 2024 received fantastic feedback.
About 99 Art Company
Founded in 2014, 99 Art Company is a group of like-minded artists led by choreographer Hye-rim Jang, who focus on expressing Korean traditions through contemporary stories.
Since Hye-rim Jang was selected as Best Choreographer by Critics’ Choice in 2015, the company has participated in major platforms including the Seoul International Performing Arts Festival (2016, 2018, 2020) Italy’s Operaestate Festival (2019), the Russian Open Look Festival (2020), the Italian Cultural Institute (2021), the Brazilian SESC Dance Biennale (2021), and Singapore’s SIFA (2023). The company remains committed to meaningful artistic encounters, creating works that resonate deeply with audiences around the world.
Cast & Creatives
99 Art Company
Artistic Director: Hye-rim Jang
Deputy Artistic Director: Seo-yi Jang
Rehearsal Director: Go-woon Lee
Project Producer: Jean Uh
Company Manager: Ji-won Choi
Lighting Operator: Na-yeoung Hong
Burnt Offering
Choreographer: Hye-rim Jang
Dancers: Seo-yi Jang , Go-woon Lee, Soo-kyung Lee, Se-ryoung Choo Musicians: Ji-hyun Park, Hae-rang Cha
Composer/ Music Director: Bo-ra Ju, Gina Hwang Writer: Joo-hee Lee Lighting Designer: Keon-young Kim
Costume: Kyoung-sul Bae, Cheon-hong Min
Dramaturg: Min Chae
Credits
Part of A Festival of Korean Dance 2026, presented by The Place and the Korean Cultural Centre UK, in partnership with Lowry, Tramway, Dance City, and Pavilion Dance South West.
Winner of the Seoul Arts Award Grand Prize and Excellence Award in 2023