A battle of warriors hoping to reach the thrones of heaven and rise up against the guardians who stand in their way take the stage in the National Theater of Korea’s upcoming modern dance production of “Tournament.”

The imaginative storyline of the dance piece is the lovechild of Yun Sung-joo, director of “The Scent of Ink,” and Ahn Sung-soo, choreographer of “Altar.” With Yun taking charge of the powerful, martial arts-inspired choreography of the male warriors, and Ahn taking the reins of the elegant graces of the female guardians of heaven, the contemporary dance performance is a visually ravishing infusion of tradition and fantasy.

“Tournament” tells the tale of ancient times, when the human world and the gods’ world were divided by distinct boundaries, with the only path connecting the two being protected by the Kingdom of Silmarillion, the gateway to heaven. However, all this changes when King Gayu of Daeracheon-guk begins to dream of conquering the world of the gods.

The magical drama begins with a confrontation between the male warriors of Daeracheon-guk and the female defenders of Silmarillion in front of the gateway of heaven in a passionate battle of the imagination, a fight that is expressed through dance rather than with fists.

This refreshingly modern performance piece not only features thought-provoking depth in its choreography, but stunningly vibrant and eye-catching costumes ― a hybrid of traditional garment designs coupled with post-modern, chess-piece-like attire in keeping with the show’s “tournament” storyline.

Although some could accuse the 70-minute choreography of being a tad repetitive and lumbering at times, the sheer aesthetics of the production is worth a watch.

“Tournament” will have its last showing on Saturday at the National Theatre of Korea’s Haeoreum Hall. Tickets prices range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit www.ntok.go.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)