공연예술 콘텐츠를 통한 지역정체성 구현 특성에 관한 연구 -장소특정적 공연과 커뮤니티 공연 사례를 중심으로-

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) South Korea’s cultural infrastructure has long been disproportionately centered in the metropolitan region, creating structural disparities in cultural access and representation across other regions. As a result, the development of region-based performing arts content has often been limited to superficial thematic references, rather than deeply engaging with the structural and experiential aspects of regional identity. This study aims to analyze how the core components that shape regional identity—landscape, socio-historical memory, community, and cultural practice—can be structurally embodied through the fundamental elements of performing arts: stage, script, actor, and audience. By doing so, the research seeks to offer a theoretical foundation that can inform the early planning phases of region-based performing arts content, beyond a mere use of regional motifs. (Method) The study adopts a qualitative analytical method grounded in case-based comparison. Drawing on both site-specific and community-based performances—which often intersect in practice—the research examines six selected cases, comprising three domestic and three international productions. Selection criteria included the integration of regional spatiality, historical or cultural memory, communal participation, and immersive audience interaction. Rather than treating performance types as fixed categories, the study focuses on how regional identity factors are structurally reflected across different artistic components. A cross-referential matrix was constructed to examine how each regional identity component is expressed through the four core performance elements. (Results) The findings show a recurring pattern in how regional identity components align with performance structure. Landscapes were not merely used as visual backdrops but shaped the spatial and dramaturgical construction of the stage. Socio-historical memory was embodied through narratives and performers, often reflecting real events or figures. Community factors influenced the blurred boundaries between performers and spectators through co-creation and lived participation. Cultural practices such as language, rituals, or artisanal traditions were embedded in scenes and performance modes, enabling sensorial experiences of regional identity. (Conclusions) This research contributes a conceptual framework that clarifies how regional identity can be structurally integrated into performance planning. Rather than presenting a ready-made model, the study suggests a foundational reference point for future development of practical tools. By mapping the correlation between regional components and performance elements, the framework enables cultural planners and artists to move beyond thematic representations and instead design region-based performances in a structurally meaningful and context-sensitive manner. Ultimately, the study highlights the potential of performing arts as a strategic tool in regional cultural design and identity-based place-making. Furthermore, it provides an initial platform for developing a more actionable and practice-oriented framework in future research, which may guide policy support, community engagement, and sustainable regional revitalization through performing arts.