Jaha Koo, acclaimed for his unique theatrical presentations, merges culinary elements with poignant social commentary. Recently, in Oslo, he garnered recognition by receiving the prestigious International Ibsen award. During our encounter, a playful exchange ensued when he was handed a packet of Haribo gummies as a congratulatory gift. Koo humorously reflects on his experience transporting a jar of kimchi while relocating to Berlin. His fermented delicacy did not fare well during the flight, exploding and causing dismay among his new neighbors.
In his touring production, Haribo Kimchi, Koo explores how this unexpected culinary combination symbolizes his evolving cultural identity. Throughout the performance, he prepares a banquet onstage for two audience members, offering a true sensory experience. Koo observes that despite having spent many years in Europe—where Haribo originated—European audiences typically recognize him as Korean. However, his return to South Korea often complicates this identification, leaving him feeling like an outsider.
Embracing Resilience and Cultural Fusion
The day after being honored with the Ibsen award, Koo shares his life mantra of “jelliness” with enthusiasm. He recounts how he discovered gummy bears upon arriving in Europe, drawing a parallel between their malleability and his personal adaptation to life outside Korea. When he recounts pushing the gelatinous candies, he likens it to building resilience, noting how they regain their shape after being squeezed.
Kimchi, on the other hand, holds profound significance for Koo; it represents his connection to Korean heritage. Koo acknowledges that, while the precise ingredients for kimchi can vary globally, the essence remains authentic even when adapted to different contexts. This notion of diversity in food preparation embodying his cultural assimilation resonates deeply with him.
In Haribo Kimchi, Koo constructs a set reminiscent of a traditional Korean snack cart, known as a pojangmacha, which represents comfort food and shared experiences across generations. Here, he crafts an interactive experience where audience members can immerse themselves in both the cultural significance and sensory pleasures of the food being prepared.
Theatrical Nourishment and Expression
The production's vibrant energy is further illustrated through the atmosphere evoked by a simple kimchi pancake being cooked, releasing tantalizing aromas. In Koo's performances, sensory elements play a pivotal role in storytelling, with memories linked to the food evoking nostalgia and emotional resonance. For instance, he serves a cocktail made of soju and beer called somaek, along with traditional dishes like cold seaweed soup, each imbued with its own rich cultural significance.
In line with the tradition of theatrical culinary art, Koo's menu serves as an emotional score, paralleling musical compositions. Every dish resonates with personal memories and cultural narratives. For example, seaweed holds associations with birthday celebrations in Korea and relates to ocean myths, enriching the overall narrative structure of the performance.
Adding to the unusual charm of Haribo Kimchi is its unexpected cast member: a robotic eel. This rubbery character explores themes of homecoming and migration, symbolizing the journey that eels undertake before returning to their origins. Koo suggests that the eel's trajectory mirrors his own experience as an expatriate.
A Culinary Journey Through Time and Crisis
Before premiering in the UK at the Edinburgh International Festival, Koo's work captivated audiences through the integration of food and theatricality. The nature of mealtime serves as a powerful metaphor for connection, as Koo notes that in Korea, how one begins a conversation often revolves around sharing meals.
In his prior production, Cuckoo, Koo utilized rice cookers to address broader themes of societal pressures and economic realities stemming from South Korea's financial crisis in the late 1990s. The show sheds light on the long-term impact of this period, highlighting issues of unemployment and inequality through an engaging narrative that includes a musical element. Koo’s reflection on the life-altering repercussions of economic instability brings to life the struggles of his generation, whose future felt uncertain.
Cuckoo’s title references the ubiquitous rice cooker brand in Korea, using humor and pathos to navigate serious themes. Koo interacts with the modified rice cookers through lively dialogues, showcasing their frustrations while conveying deeper societal critiques. His poignant performance incorporates moments of physicality, such as pouring steam from the cooker—an act of division that highlights the pressures of contemporary life.
Exploring Identity and Technology in Art
Koo's artistic endeavors extend beyond food; they also engage with deeper societal critiques relating to language and cultural influence. In another production, Lolling and Rolling, he engages with the concept of linguistic colonization, highlighting the pressures faced by South Koreans to undergo surgery for the correct pronunciation of English sounds. His exploration of Western theatrical traditions leads him to investigate what he considers “theatrical imperialism.”
By integrating technological elements into his productions—such as the robotic eel and singing rice cookers—Koo pushes the boundaries of traditional theater. He believes that it is essential to embrace various perspectives, including those of nature and technology, to accurately understand the complexities of contemporary life.
K-Pop and Social Change
In his acceptance speech for the Ibsen award, Koo thoughtfully addressed the legacy of Henrik Ibsen, challenging the conventions of theater while embracing its potential for social commentary. His upcoming project promises to delve into the realm of K-pop, a cultural phenomenon that he sees as both a vehicle for global solidarity and a symbol of darker industry realities.
Koo plans to create a performance centered around K-pop without personally taking the stage. Instead, the cast will consist of singers, allowing for a new approach to storytelling through music. This endeavor aims to examine the complexities of global society through the lens of a pop culture movement that wields significant influence.
Ultimately, Koo's commitment to theater as a space for collective exploration serves as a guiding principle in his work. He believes in the importance of solidarity, inviting audiences to engage and reflect on their shared experiences while fostering a deeper understanding of cultural identity.
