Bridging communication barriers: Korean artists provide capital with laugh-riot

Performers entertain guests with comedy, traditional Samulnori rhythm



ISLAMABAD:


Unique for their multi-faceted presentation, a South Korean performing group entertained guests at a local hotel on Thursday.


Nanta Cookin’ is a non-verbal performance integrated in Korea’s traditional rhythm, Samulnori, with elements of comedy and drama in a swanky kitchen setting.

Three chefs and one head chef dancing and singing, beating metal pans and a jerry can, made a loud statement as they made their way across the crowded hall to the stage. Brimming with excitement and livening up the stage with their animated gestures, they created an eclectic harmony without uttering a word, thus foregoing language barriers and appealing the diverse audience.

Juxtaposed with upbeat, modern music, the traditional rhythms from folk music created an uplifting, ambient and comical show. The back-to-back acting sequences were spontaneous and stood out for their coordination and comic timing.

Kitchen props such as chopping boards, knives and vegetables were pivotal to the performances as the performers dexterously pulled off some adrenaline-pumping stunts, juggling plates and working in twisted-pretzel sequences. Slicing, icing and dicing vegetables, they beat utensils, stamped feet and clapped at odd intervals to create a series of rhythms in a display of practiced, skilled moves.

They also beat actual drums, splashing water, dancing under the neon haze and rock-inspired head-banging moves amid quirky, whimsical movements.

Interacting with the audience, they picked a couple from the crowd, ameliorating a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, offering them food and making them a part of the performance.

Diplomats, ministers and families attended the evening. Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz was the chief guest. South Korean Ambassador Song Jong Hwan welcomed the guests, saying the performers had flown in from South Korea especially for the cultural evening.

Australian High Commissioner Peter Heyward, who was accompanied by his wife, Susan, said that he enjoyed the performance for its well-rounded skill and entertainment quotient.

Muznah Umar from the management team, said that back in South Korea, the group has also performed antics with fire at specialised theatres but incorporating the same into the cultural evening at the hotel was prone to risk.

The event that helped raise funds and collect donations for the flood-affected and internally-displaced persons of Pakistan, was organised by Serena Hotels in collaboration with the South Korean embassy.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2014.

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