'Baudeogi' is a woman who, after becoming the Kkoktusoe or Chief of Namsadang as a woman in the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty for the first time in the nation, has led the Namsadang troupe.
Born at a poor tenant farming, she was left in the care of Anseong Namsadang in 1853 at the age of only 5. Since that time, she learned a variety of talents and skills some of which being singing, rope dancing, playing music instruments and Salpan.
It is said that from her childhood, Baudeogi demonstrated unique ability in all parts of Namsadang such as rope dancing, Salpan, singing and Pungmul nori. When she was out performing with the Namsadang troupe, she became exceptionally popular. Namsadang became more popular and income has increased accordingly. Even inside the Namsadang troupe, Baudeogi became a highly valuable person.
When Baudeogi was 15 years old, there was a need to select a new Kkoktusoe because the Kkoktusoe who used to lead the Anseong Namsadang troupe was too old. All Namsadang members unanimously selected Baudeogi as the new Kkoktusoe even though she was young. It was unimaginable then that Baudeogi, in the status of a woman and at the age of only 5, could ever become the Kkoktusoe of Namsadang. However, the result meant that her superior artistic talents and the star¡¯s qualifications at the stage had been recognized.
The Anseong Namsadang troupe led by Baudeogi became well-known al over the country thereafter. In 1865 during the second rein year of King Gojong, Heungseon Daewongun called Anseong Namsadang troupe to console the exhausted workers at the Gyeongbok-gung palace remodeling place, and the Namsadang troupe presented best performance to the joy of the workers. As a token of thanks, Heungseon Daewongun awarded Namsadang with a jade headband button, a symbol of official post equivalent to deputy minister levels.
Since that time, the Anseong Namsadang troupe became the chief organization of all Namsadang and performance groups in the nation, and they were called Baudeogi after the people shouted ¡°Here comes Baudeogi, or it is Baudeogi¡± whenever the Namsadang appeared. This is considered as the beginning of Korea¡¯s art performance, and Baudeogi is appraised as the first performer in the Republic of Korea.
Since that time, Baudeogi toured the country promoting the humble performance called Namsadang to a level of popular performance culture to comfort the oppressed people. However, due to the hardships of vagabond life and continued performance, Baudeogi passed away of lung disease in 1870 when she was only 23 years old.
The Namsadang troupe held a funeral, grieving over the death of Baudeogi. The tomb of Baudeogi is located at Cheongryong-ri, Seoun-myeon, Anseong city.
|
