Mass games or mass gymnastics are a form of performing arts or gymnastics in which large numbers of performers take part in a highly regimented performance that emphasizes group dynamics rather than individual prowess.
Because of the vast scale of the performance, with often tens of thousands of performers, mass games are performed in stadiums, often accompanied by a background of card-turners occupying the seats on the opposite side from the viewers.
Mass games are typically used to emphasize themes of political propaganda. They developed alongside 19th century nationalist movements, particularly the Czech Sokol movement, as they embodied youth, strength, militarism, and unity.
Today, mass games are regularly performed only in North Korea, where they take place to celebrate national holidays such as the birthdays of rulers Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. In recent years, they have been the main attraction of the Arirang Festival in Pyongyang.
The 2004 film A State of Mind details the training of two young girls from Pyongyang who perform in the mass games.
In my opinion there is nothing quite so fascinating as North-Korea (officially: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) and its leader Kim Jung-Il. If it weren’t for the mass killings and starvation of its people, the mind-boggling suppression and the nuclear threat, it would all be very funny. Now and then, I will cover some of North-Korea’s and Kim’s excesses on this blog. Today: mass gymnastics, huge staged performances of which Wikipedia says:
Mass [...] gymnastics are a form of gymnastics in which large numbers of performers take part in a highly regimented performance that emphasizes group dynamics rather than individual prowess. Because of the vast scale of the performance, with often tens of thousands of performers, mass games are performed in stadiums, often accompanied by a background of card-turners occupying the seats on the opposite side from the viewers.
This video by British techno band Faithless shows images of North Korea’s mass gymnastics, shot for the documentary A State of Mind:
Of course, there is nothing quite like the real stuff, of which I own several full length DVDs. It’s so over the top, it’s scary. Check out this footage, presumably shot by tourists (who are heard talking and cheering in the background):
It makes me want to get up, dance and cheer. And sit and weep.
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