An exciting new work, combining traditional and contemporary acrobatics, cutting-edge video technology and live music, is deepening cultural relations between Australia and Korea.

Inspired by a Korean folktale, Tale of Samulnori tells the story of a peaceful land sent suddenly into turmoil when an Ash Monster, a dark cloud of pollution, arrives and, in doing so, brings confusion and despair to the people. The innovative production explores relevant concerns about society's relationship with the environment, with wit, musicality and a good dose of remarkable physical skill.

Created by Australian artists and Korean artists, Tale of Samulnori will be the opening performance, on 24 April, at the new Seoul Centre for Circus and Street Arts being built by the Seoul Foundation for the Arts, before transferring to the Busan Cinema Centre. It will then be presented at the Sydney Opera House in the first week of June.

Created for families, the production will be seen by an audience of 6000 over 12 performances in both countries.

In the tale, four children are sent to the corners of the earth where they must convince a guardian to hand over a treasure–a rare and precious musical instrument which, when played in harmony, will restore peace.

Australia and Korea have much in common in the world of theatre. Tale of Samulnori is a shining example of the power of collaborative theatre work between the two countries.

The collaboration expresses itself in many ways and on many levels. At its most basic level, this is a narrative of collaboration–a story of four children and four instruments working together to achieve harmony.

'The production is also collaboration between Australian and Korean performers and creative teams, the traditions, working methods and live music of the two countries, and even the different tools and languages used to tell stories,' says Patrick Nolan, creative director, who has worked in theatre, opera and outdoor performance for more than 20 years.

Tale of Samulnori received major funding by the Australia–Korea Foundation, established by the Australian Government to increase public awareness of Australia in Korea and of Korea in Australia. The production is helping the AKF further its goals by strengthening language, education, cultural and artistic ties.

Created by Australia's Legs On The Wall, known nationally and internationally for telling stories through physical theatre, and Korea's AsiaNow, known throughout Korea and internationally for its contemporary theatre, dance and interdisciplinary arts performances, Tale of Samulnori is now in rehearsal stage.

The development of the Tale of Samulnori has been years in the making, including a two-week workshop in Seoul (September 2014), led by Nolan for acrobats and performers. 'This gave us an opportunity to build the profile of the production, extend cultural relations and establish valuable connections,' says Nolan.

The story was written by Kim Dongwon. The writer for the contemporary production is Janis Balodis. The set was built and costumes designed in Sydney and Seoul.

Nolan says it's been an honour to work on the production. A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Arts Directing Course, Nolan has, throughout his career, created and presented performances around Australia and the world to great acclaim. In 2011, an interest in Pansori singing and traditional forms of acrobatics led him to Korea, where Nolan found a great empathy with the culture and approaches to performance making. 'The trip inspired me to create a new work born of a collaboration between Australian and Korean artists, he said.

The Australia–Korea Foundation has also supported the Sydney Opera House's digital education foray into North Asia, starting with Korea. Tale of Samulnori will be featured in the initial drama education sessions offered by the Sydney Opera House in real time to Korean school students. Students will engage directly in discussion with performers and directors.

Tale of Samulnori will also tour in Seoul and other major Australian venues.