The 2024 Gwangju Fringe Festival

Art and Dance in the Streets

By Julienne Mei Magbanua, Dhivyaa S. P., and Anne Nguyen

The 2024 Gwangju Fringe Festival was held on September 20-21 and 28-29 at different locations in Gwangju. Several artists from international locations participated in the festival to showcase different kinds of artistic expression, including music, dance, and visual arts.

Although some performances had to be rescheduled or relocated due to the rain, festival attendees continued to support the artists. Some performers joyfully embraced the rain and went on with the show.

The Street Art Festival

From street theater and mask performances to circus acts, mime, and aerial shows, the festival offered a wide range of creative and experimental performances, transforming areas like Geumnam Street and Gwangju Biennale Square into open-air art spaces.

This year’s main act, Asphalt Blues, demonstrated a creative reenactment of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in their performance titled I Want to Meet You. Throughout the performance, more and more people joined in, totaling up to 200 artists and performers. This represented the solidarity among civil society during the 1980 uprising. The large number of participants created a sense of community, echoing the festival’s theme of “Accidentally Encountered,” where people gathered spontaneously to be a part of the performance.

Asphalt Blues ended their performance with a gravity-defying number and a celebration that signified a declaration of freedom. Indeed, the group displayed a powerful way to remember what happened in South Korea’s historic Gwangju.

Other notable performances included Woo Seok-hun’s live drawing, The Wandering Painter, and Cheon Geun-sung’s street show, Hot Guy Glue Man Goes to Gwangju, which added a playful and interactive element to the festival. Audiences were also captivated by Grandmother and the Tiger of Mudeungsan, a traditional Korean performance that invited spectators to join in dancing, further enhancing the sense of community. The Spanish band Always Drinking Marching Band also amazed everyone with their lively brass music, turning the streets into a fun and festive atmosphere.

The festival featured a variety of performances, from funny street theater to powerful dance routines. This variety encouraged everyone to explore different art forms and find something they loved, making the event enjoyable for all ages. Whether it was a high-energy circus act or a traditional mask play, the festival created a welcoming space for everyone to appreciate the arts.

The Street Dance Festival

The 2024 Street Dance Festival, Fringe League, was an exciting two-day event filled with performances and competitions. Held at Gwangju City Hall’s outdoor music venue, the festival brought together street dancers from different styles and eras, showcasing the best of urban dance. Audiences members ranging from kids to older people were captivated by the energy and creativity on display throughout the event.

On September 28, the festival kicked off at 7:00 p.m. with a variety of performances. Dancers showcased their unique styles, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Hosted by MC Blackbomb, the night’s highlight was a special performance by Jinjo Crew, one of Korea’s top breakdancing teams. Known for their innovative moves and passion, Jinjo Crew left the audience in awe with their powerful showcase.

The action continued on September 29, starting at 12:00 noon, with street dance battles in the youth and college divisions. These young dancers displayed incredible talent and competitive spirit in the preliminary rounds. As the evening progressed, a special showcase wowed the audience before the intense final battles of the top 8 and top 4 competitors. Hosted by MC Heo Kyung-gu, the day ended with thrilling performances, leaving everyone inspired by the dedication and skill of the finalists.

The 2024 Street Dance Festival, Fringe League, was a vibrant and inclusive celebration of creativity and talent. It demonstrated how street dance can unite generations and celebrate the power of artistic expression in a lively, open-air atmosphere.