How are sandae masked plays performed in Korea?

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Korean music Musician playing a *kŏmungo*, a type of Korean zither with six strings.

Sandae masked plays, or sandae togam gug, are traditional Korean folk performances characterized by a blend of singing, dancing, pantomime, and dialogue.1

Performance Characteristics

Performers: The plays are performed exclusively by males.1
Masks: Performers wear masks made from paper, gourds, or occasionally carved wood. These masks, which may cover the face or the entire head, are boldly painted to represent stock characters such as monks, noblemen, shamans, and young dancing girls. To maintain ritual purity, masks are often burned and recreated annually.1
Themes: The performances are known for their satirical nature, frequently criticizing corrupt officials and depraved Buddhist monks. Common narrative scenes include offerings to the gods, flirtation, and funeral services, and they may even be performed as rainmaking rites.1
Regional Variations: While professional troupes historically adapted court forms for popular audiences, today these plays are maintained by local village groups in specific regions, including Yangju and South Kyŏngsang in South Korea, and Pongsan in North Korea.1