as part of Fabbrica Europa 2024
in collaboration with BIPAF – Busan International Performing Arts Festival

According to the Old Testament bible, ‘burnt offering’ was a form of sacrifice, by bringing up the aroma from burning sacrificial offerings to God. I felt that a human lives is noble and sublime as our times and efforts invisibly burnt to its death look alike the scent from the burnt ashes of the burnt offering.

One of Korean traditional folk genres, Seung-mu(Monk’s dance) gave me a strong connection to the ‘prayer’ from its movements and rhythm. It reflects the human being praying for a good life and working hard to achieve it. Thus Seung-mu reminds me the value and the meaning of daily labour.

I believe that the true meaning of prayer lies in living one’s life well.
I directed the Burnt Offering based on the performing arts (performance) inspiration given by ‘Seung-mu’ and the meaning of ‘burnt offering’ is added to the lives of workers in their daily routine, with the hope that their lives burned through labour will never be wasted in vain.

– Jang Hyerim

99artcompany focuses on expressing the uniqueness of Korean tradition through contemporary stories, and is a group of like-minded artists led by choreographer Jang Hye-rim under the motto of ‘dance that resonates with the soul.’ Founded in 2014, 99Artcompany recognises that tradition is not standardised but can constantly change and develop even in this era. Jang Hye-rim strives to create authentic works that resonate with audiences, emphasising the importance of the role of art driving change in our society.

choreographer / artistic director: Jang Hyerim
dancers: Jang Hyerim, Jang Seoyi, Lee Gowoon, Lee Sookyung
composer/ music director: Ju Bora, Hwang Gina
assistant choreographer: Jang Seoyi, Lee Gowoon
writer: Lee Joohee
rehearsal director: Jang Seoyi
light designer: Kim Keonyoung
costumes: Min Cheonhong, Bae Kyoungsool
project producer: Uh Jean
stage manager: Park Jonghoon
sound designer: Han Changwoon
dramaturg: Chae Min

The BIPAF – Busan International Performing Arts Festival, which takes in Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, has led the way in creating opportunities to enjoy high-quality performances by inviting outstanding international and Korean works.
The BIPAF presents various genres of performing arts, including physical theatre, puppet theatre and street theatre.
BIPAF has hosted the festival for the past 20 years, building networks with various organizations not only in Korea but also contributing to the expansion of international exchanges.
For the two-year period 2024/25 a partnership with Fabbrica Europa has been established: a representative of the Festival was invited to the 2024 edition of the BIPAF Global Program and selected Burnt Offering by 99artcompany.
The Fabbrica Europa 2024 Festival in turn hosts a Korean delegation to select an Italian production that will be presented at BIPAF 2025.