Talchum is a performing art consisting of dance, music and theatre. An ensemble of six to ten musicians accompanies masked performers who humorously explore social issues through dramatic combinations of song, dance, movement and dialogue. The audience plays an essential role, contributing to the production with their cheers and jeers as the drama unfolds. In addition to serving as a tool for social commentary, Talchum can also promote and reinforce local cultural identities through local dialects and folksongs.