Sa-Choom

George Square 1    31 July, 1-3 August, 5-10, 12-25 @ 13.45    Dobecom (Korea)

Billed as a “dance musical” by the producers, this extravaganza from Korea is more circus or revue. The exquisite standard of dancing and acrobatics is astonishing, and equal to any act on the Royal Variety Performance. The troupe, polished and proficient, are trained in several physical disciplines, including martial arts, from toddlerhood.

There is a Tarentino style physical ferocity and perfection in this show that is almost intimidating. One sequence is aptly called “Battle”, and indeed, this could be the Korean army dancing. So, when the troupe invited the audience to participate and have a good time, I felt myself shrinking back into my seat. In some sequences the performers act out comedy routines, which sit uneasily with the seriousness and dedication of the drilled training.  

A couple of tips if you go to see this show - don’t bother with the platitudes projected on the side screens, watch the live action which is much more interesting. And, if you don’t want to get hauled up on stage and ridiculed, don’t sit on the front row.

There is not much Korean culture here, but there is a jaw-dropping, lightening fast display of technical procientcy in dance, acrobatics and martial arts.