Dancers from 3 nations portray common myth

A common Asian legend tells of a couple that was forced to be apart from each other with the Milky Way between the two. The only way for them to reunite was to cross a bridge of crows and magpies every July 7th by the lunar calendar.
A group of musicians and choreographers from China, Japan and Korea has used that tale as inspiration for a dance piece, “Sky Bridge,” which will be performed tomorrow at the National Theater of Korea.
The dance is part of “String of Asian Sounds,” a project put together by Chung-Ang University, which set up a course on hallyu ― the Korean cultural wave.
In addition to the dance, the organizers have invited notable performers including Ando Masateru, a koto player; musicians from China’s Central Music Academy; and performers from the Tokyo National University of Fine Art and Music.
As a highlight of the event, “Sky Bridge,” which features dancers from each of the three nations, depicts the reunion of the mythical couple.
The dance will be followed by a chamber music concert by musicians from Japan and China, and then close with an orchestral performance on the gayageum ― a traditional Korean 12-string zither ― led by Kim Il-ryun.

by Park Soo-mee

“String of Asian Sounds” starts at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the National Theater of Korea. For more information, call (02) 820-6013.