Tightrope walking is an acrobatic skill-based form of entertainment widely practiced in most countries.
Jultagi also known as eoreum, is a traditional Korean tightrope-walking performance. It is not known when this acrobatic performance originated. Some scholars suggest it appeared during the Silla and Goryeo dynasties, but it became more popular in the Joseon era and still exists today.
In contrast to the tightrope-walking styles of other countries, Jultagi is usually accompanied by music and tells a story to entertain audiences. It is held on public holidays in South Korea, such as Daeboreum, Dano, and Chuseok.
This performing art is distinct by its accompaniment of music and witty dialogue between a tightrope walker and an earthbound clown. This performance takes place outdoors. During the show, a tightrope walker performs acrobatic feats on the rope along with jokes, mimicry, songs, and dancing, while a clown jokingly banters with the tightrope walker.
Musicians accompany the show through their music. At first, the tightrope walker performs simple stunts, then moves on to more complex acrobatics in an intense show that can last several hours. In addition to a basic tightrope walking motion, there are more than forty kinds of Jultagi techniques, including a reverse walk on the rope, leaping with one foot on it, or sitting and lying on it. A tightrope walker who is experienced can leap forward while they are standing on the rope without falling. Another elaborate tightrope walking trick involves kneeling and then landing on the rope in a cross-legged sitting position.
In general, a ropewalker should be able to capture the attention of the audience. As Jultagi is an example of a traditional performance by a professional entertainer. Performers are expected to have strong improvisational skills and good communication and acting skills.
In addition to preserving this practice, The Korean Folk Village in Seoul presents a tightrope walking performance to entertain tourists. The performance is also performed at events in the palace, banquets for high-ranking government officials, and village festivals. This type of play also can be seen in the movie King and the Clown.
Currently, In Korea, tightrope walking is mainly transmitted through the Jultagi Safeguarding Association in Gyeonggi Province. There are two forms of training, apprenticeships, and public education. Apprentices educate their practitioners and take on students. There are various forms of public education, including school training, experience classes, and summer camps. Today, tightrope walkers are often invited to local festivals, especially those held during spring and autumn.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/jultagi-tightrope-walking-00448) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jultagi) (https://folkency.nfm.go.kr/en/topic/detail/1613) |Subject=Art, Entertainment and Recreation |Country=South Korea |SDG=(08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}