Eolssu Hanmadang

Han Naerae is bringing traditional Korean music and dance to Casey's Share Office on Saturday, October 17, from 4 PM to 5 PM. The show is called Eolssu Hanmadang, and it's a joint performance between Han Naerae, a Houston-based traditional dance troupe, and Ieoul, a young traditional performance team flying in from Korea for the occasion.

The title comes from eolssu, the traditional Korean call-and-response exclamation used to stir the spirits of musicians and dancers and to invite the audience to share in the performance. The main feature of the afternoon is the Saja-chum, the Korean Lion Dance, a traditional dance known for its energetic movement and storytelling. It's the kind of performance that works best when you're in the room rather than watching a recording.

This is the fourth year the troupe has hosted this gathering, a tradition that began in 2023 when Han Naerae first started inviting Korean adoptees to experience Korean traditional culture and share Korean food. This year's performance also marks a milestone for the troupe itself: Han Naerae is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The troupe's leader, Han Naerae, has a full day planned around the show, with an 11 AM seminar and a tour of the Korean Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, both for Korean adoptees.

Admission is free, but seats are limited, so you'll need to RSVP in advance via the QR code on the event poster. The performance runs from 4 PM to 5 PM at Casey's Share Office, 9130 Pecos St., Houston, TX 77055.