It is about Cooking. NANTA is striking something in Korean. NANTA performance is derived from the traditional Korean instrumental performance “Samulnori”.

A kitchen was the backdrop while the chefs were the main characters. The cooks at the NANTA kitchen began their busy schedule as always- washing vegetables, carrying meat loaves, setting fires etc. Alas!! The ill-natured Manager brought his little nephew to the kitchen for the purpose of learning cooking!

Subsequently the manager left with a harsh order that the cooks should prepare a wedding reception, which was not in schedule though! Nevertheless the stage and audience were united by the aroma of food being cooked and smiling faces of the hilarious chefs. The reception was at 6 o’clock! This was a timely target for the cooks to prepare the meals.

Mode of performance

Knifes & other kitchen utensils transformed and improvised into musical instruments in the hands of the performers. Acrobatic cooking scenes, surprise wedding ceremony (with the participation of audience members on stage) and an exciting dumpling challenge indeed thrilled the audience.

The ‘coup de gras’ is a  ‘Three-Drum Dance’ in which a drummer beats three standing kitchenware drums, while his assistants slice through the air around him.     

SYNOPSIS

NANTA is non-verbal performance:

Since no dialogue and story is narrated through music and motion, there is no language barrier. Hence people of multiple cultures can enjoy.

Incorporates traditional Korean Rhythms:

Bold rhythms reach international audience because rhythms from Korean folk music are uniquely combined with modern western musical forms.

NANTA reflects drama

Performance under-pinned by dramatic scenes & art of cuisine as its background; NANTA overcomes drawbacks of non-verbal performances such as dullness.

Audience participation

Spectators are invited to perform on stage. Be the bride and groom in a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, compete in dumpling stacking or interact with the performer cooks. It is indeed a Comedic stage show!

I was indeed privileged to witness & enjoy the spectacular Modern “Samulori” performance by ‘Nanta-Cookin’ performed at Tel Aviv University in Tel Aviv, Israel. After all the cooks achieved their target; they completed the preparation of meals on time!

Compiled by Dhinesha R. Perera,