I spotted that the Cho-in Theatre Company are putting on a performance at the KCC this coming Monday (30 June). A still from their production The Angel and the Woodcutter is shown on the right.
This notice got me thinking about the Edinburgh Fringe, which was choc-full of Korean talent last year. Same again this year, with the emphasis on “physical theatre”, including the b-boy crew who gave us the “Ballerina who loves b-boys” last year. Some more traditional performances as well.
Here’s the results of typing “Korea” into the Edinburgh Fringe website. Do check the website for any changes, and for venue details.
Yo! Chunhyang – A Pansori Musical of Chunhyang
Fusion musical retelling of Korea’s Chunhyangga legend, mixing Western music and traditional Korean Pansori narrative. Forbidden friendship, corrupt officials, female virtue – is true love stronger than death? An Eastern spectacle for all ages.
venue: C
group: Handong Global University
category: Musicals and Opera
time: 17:45 every day from 30 July to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
Sa-choom
Korea’s newest dance musical smash hit! Sa-Choom delivers an exciting, humorous, and interactive story of three friends coming-of-age. Featuring the hottest and most thrilling hip hop, modern, jazz, and breakdancing. You’ll be up and dancing along by the end!
venue: Musical Theatre @ George Square
group: Dobecom
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 13:45 every day from 31 July to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
Shut Up! – Listen!
Humans evolving without ears! South Korean director Myung-il Lee combines original music, dance, visual arts and theatre to envisage a future where humankind is exclusively obsessed with talking, paying for the privilege of being heard.
venue: Sweet ECA
group: Theatre Company ‘SU’
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 13:30 every day from 11 Aug to 17 Aug 2008 inclusive
Mong Yeon (A Love in Dream)
Refusing to cope with the loss of love in the real world, our heroine retreats to a living world of dreams. Unique and beautiful Korean tale of love, loss, reincarnation and philosophy. www.modli.com
venue: C
group: Modl Theatre
category: Theatre
time: 13:55 every day from 30 July to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
Mr Gong’s Hair Salon
Masks energetic physical theatre and acrobatic comedy, all with a far-Eastern twist. Join Mr Gong, his friends and enemies in this fast-paced frenetic non-verbal comedy. Direct from Korea.
venue: C central
group: Dae Gu Metropolitan Theatre Company
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 12:40 every day from 1 Aug to 16 Aug 2008 inclusive
InvAsian Festival: Arirang Party
Another Korean extreme musical dance spectacular, direct from its hit run in Seoul, featuring world-class percussionist Choi So-Ri with a combination of street/tap/martial arts dance crews who’ll guarantee you’ll party the night away. Simply, breathtakingly the best.
venue: clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons
group: Lunatic Company
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 22:45 every day from 3 Aug to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
InvAsian Festival: Family
Korean extreme mix of Taekwon martial arts/hip hop street dance/comic lunacy and overall physical brilliance. Add to this some amazing, pulsating musical soundscapes and you won’t believe your eyes or ears. A unique and explosive, spellbinding experience. Book early.
venue: clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons
group: Lunatic Company
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 15:00 every day from 3 Aug to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
InvAsian Festival: ID
Part dance, part performance/installation, this inspired Korean cyclical art piece offers the chance to experience cultural identity and acclimatisation on a very personal level. Two 30-minute, separate performances in the hour for a maximum of twenty people only.
venue: clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons
group: Floating Water
category: Events
time: 10:00 and 10:30 every day from 3 Aug to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
InvAsian Festival: Skywalk
Skywalk (featuring MBCrew), the company responsible for last year’s ***** ‘Ballerina B-Boy’ hit, return with another extreme dance musical sensation. MBCrew are one of the leading exponents of the Korean-wave street dance phenomenon: their expertise is astonishing. Unmissable.
venue: clubWEST @ Quincentenary Hall, The Royal College of Surgeons
group: Skywalk
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 21:15 every day from 3 Aug to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
Choon-Hyang: True Love
Theatre Seoul’s youth musical company presents Korea’s adored traditional love story entirely in English. Choon-Hyang and Mong-Ryong must defend their love against all odds. Featuring Korea’s top child actors. ‘Brimming with energy and enthusiasm!’ – ***** (Plays International).
venue: Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall
group: Theatre Seoul
category: Musicals and Opera
time: 17:45 every day from 9 Aug to 17 Aug 2008 inclusive
Angel and the Woodcutter
Heartbreaking story with profound anti-war message. Exquisite movement theatre, told entirely without words, in a triumph of communication. Amidst war and desperation blooms a beautiful, hopeful Korean folktale. ‘Clearly masters of their craft’ (Scotsman).
venue: Zoo Southside
group: Cho-In Theatre
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 16:10 every day from 3 Aug to 25 Aug 2008 inclusive
Links:
I just found (by chance – Daegu looked as if it might be a Korean city) there is also:
Hamlet Episode
The hidden story of ‘Hamlet’ – ‘Hamlet Episode’. Modern people’s confessions to their identities. A strong and fresh message of hope! Various spectacles which are newly interpreted in the language of dance!
venue: Rocket @ Roxburghe Hotel, 38 Charlotte Square
group: Daegu City Modern Dance Company
category: Dance & Physical Theatre
time: 20:00 every day from 11 Aug to 23 Aug 2008 inclusive except 17
Two audience reviews (both “five stars”) posted at EdFringe.com:
***** contemporary masterpiece 14 Aug 2008
A stunning, visual tour de force that leaves one enthralled, astounded and inspired. A truly breathtaking production from a very large cast who are all exquisitly talented. Movements flow seamlessly into one another; captivating the viewer. I would love to see this production: on an odeon style stage; with the performance space sunk into the round; traditional live Korean music playing for the dancers; and some level adding set. 10/10
***** Absolutely brilliant & amazing! 13 Aug 2008
I greatly enjoyed their show “puppet” last year and when I heard these koreans are back this year with a different show, nothing stopped me to catche them up. Again, they didn’t disappoint me, in fact impressed more making my end of the day more pleasure. It seems the way of their dance has been upgraded, more vibrant and still as spotless dancing skills as last year. Puppet had the taste more to the general public. This hamlet episode has has rather deep and sophiscated atmosphere all around but I have to confess the show seems to have every plots to absorb the audiences. I coudn’t afford any seconds to take my eyes off them. If anyone’s out there who is a big fan of the essence of modern dance, this is definitely the show you can’t afford to miss!