'Seoulful' rhythms in Jerusalem

The show NANTA, to be performed in J'lem, has drawn largest number of people ever in history of performing arts in Korea.

By ITRAVELJERUSALEM.COM TEAM
comedic stage show NANTA 370 (photo credit: Courtesy)
comedic stage show NANTA 370
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Jerusalem audiences will soon be treated to a unique Korean cultural and musical experience in the comedic stage show NANTA.
Electric, funny, gripping and interactive, the show has drawn the largest number of people ever in the history of performing arts in Korea, has performed on Off Broadway in New York and has celebrated much international acclaim.
The literal meaning of NANTA is random drumbeats and the figurative meaning, reckless punching.
The show NANTA is a mainly non-verbal performance that takes traditional Korean percussion, samullori, and performs them in a modernized Western manner.
The samullori are further spiced up by performing them in the extraordinary setting of a kitchen.
A bunch of unpredictable cooks take regular kitchen items such as cutting boards, kitchen knives and water canisters and turn them into percussion instruments as they vigorously prepare for a wedding banquet.
The cooks overcome tight deadlines and challenges in a cheerful and playful manner and the audience is invited along for the culinary and musical journey that culminates in a feast. The show involves acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, pantomime and more.
An Eastern twist of the show STOMP, NANTA is considered one of the ‘Top Ten Things to See in Seoul’ by the Korean Tourism Organization. The show is certainly one of the top ten things to see in Jerusalem this month.
The NANTA team was invited to Israel by the Korean embassy as part of several events that will take place this year to mark the 50 years anniversary for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Israel.
The Korean Ambassador, Mr. Kim il-soo said: "This year we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Israel. We are happy to bring the Israeli audience a very impressive and successful show. The NANTA team had became an international mega hit a long time ago. They have also performed in Israel three years ago in the "Israel Festival" giving the Israeli audience an extraordinary experience."
"This special performance is actually a part of the 'Korean Wave' - a world-wide phenomenon of Korean music, dance, film and dramas gaining popularity," he added.
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