A tale of a woman_x0019_ s life of suffering. Despite the titles coarse nature the play is lively and light with comedic elements. It weaves its story through traditional dancing, music, masks and scenery and is a window into both Korean culture and art. In the Italian style of Commedia dell'arte, Grandmother Dog Shit combines traditional Korean mask dancing and performance art into a tale that women around the world have experienced throughout time and can still relate to today. It is the story of women and mothers who sacrifice their own life and happiness for what they believe is their family duty. After her death Grandmother Dog Shit feels she can not cross over to the other side because of the weight of sorrows on her heart and soul and is stuck in limbo. She pleads with a Korean medicine woman to tell her sad tale as she waits between the world of the living and the world of the dead to be reborn. Through the various stages of her life the woman suffers, first infidelity as her husband runs away with his mistress and their money, then with children who take from her greedily without giving back love or appreciation. As with many Asian customs elderly parents often go to live with their children, living with her son and his wife the woman is treated with less love and affection then the family dog, she feels the dog is even given better food. On her death bed her children come to her and she gives them their inheritance, they take it and complain it is not enough or it is less than their siblings received and they leave her and she dies alone. Traditionally some Korean parents gave their children unfortunate names or nick names like Dog Shit (Gae Dong), Last daughter (Mal Soon, given in a family that has had many daughters and wants no more) and 6,000,000 dollars (Yuk Beck Maan Bul, given by parents who want their child to be rich). It was the belief that with such unfortunate names the children would live long lives and become strong. Ironically Grandmother Dog Shit lives a long life and she must be strong but her path is filled with sorrow, hardships and bitterness. The play is unique, beautiful and mysterious. With no English the viewer is led through the tale by dance, performance and music. The Korean traditional costumes give the audience a chance to view an Asia not seen today. The dancing and music are mysterious and rhythmic and despite being a tragedy the performance is filled with light parts and comedy. It is a great chance to view something culturally unique and wonderful.
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