What Was the Sandae?
The Sandae was an elaborate, mountain-shaped structure inspired by the legendary Mount Bongnae, a mythical home of immortals. It was a dynamic stage that blended art, science, and engineering.
Moveable Stages: Not all Sandae were fixed structures. A mobile version, known as Yesandae (曳山臺), was built on wheels, allowing it to be moved to different locations for large-scale national events. This was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time, similar to a modern mobile stage.
Technological Marvel: The Sandae featured advanced stage effects, including puppets that could be raised and lowered, and pyrotechnics that created spectacular fireworks. These technical elements weren't just for show; they were integral to the performance, making the Sandae a true multi-sensory experience.
Right section of Akgeukdon's Bongsa-do (1725), depicting the Yesandae
The Performances of Sandae: Sandae-hui
The performances held on the Sandae, collectively known as Sandae-hui (山臺戱), were a vibrant mix of courtly and folk arts.
A Blend of Genres: Sandae-hui showcased a wide range of performances, from elegant court dances like the Heonseondo (獻仙桃), a dance offering peaches to the king, to energetic folk arts. These folk performances included masked dances, tightrope walking, acrobatics, and satirical plays that poked fun at the social elite.
Large-Scale Spectacles: Sandae-hui were grand events involving hundreds of performers, including musicians, dancers, acrobats, and actors. This scale of performance transformed the Sandae into a bustling festival of song, dance, and storytelling, uniting the community in celebration.
The Sandae was more than just a stage; it was a testament to the Silla people's creativity and cultural sophistication. It highlights how art and entertainment were deeply valued, with technology being used to bring these performances to life.
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