ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the experiments, achievements, and limitations in the process of modernizing theatrical traditions in the 1970s. These new theatrical experiments were deeply related to the social atmosphere of trying to find the roots of Korean culture and national identity. Thus, searching for the roots of Korean theatre was a major concern and objective of the Korean theatrical world in the 1970s. Each director of each theatre company had their own approach to incorporating the traditions. Yu DeokHyeong and Ahn Minsu of the Drama Center added contemporary Western experiments to Korean heritage. Heo Gyu, who led the Folk Art Theatre, tried to restore authentic theatrical traditions in modern Korean theatre, including traditional vocal techniques and dance movements, as well as fine art techniques for making masks and puppets. Kim JeongOk of the Free Theatre experimented with actor-centered theatre with collective creation and montages. These experiments became milestones toward the establishment of contemporary Korean theatre, and, indeed, they laid the foundation for the acceptance of traditions within the Western-style Korean theatre.
