EdFringe Review: ARI: The Spirit of Korea

As a year-round reviewer of Opera and Dance, I’m used to having a cast & crew list to refer to. Here I have none of the above. So, please do excuse this most generic of reviews for what is a very special show.

Devised around the UNESCO-recognised, centuries-old Korean song, Arirang, ARI: The Spirit of Korea tracks the adventures (and misadventures) of the industrious, but gullible Ki-Mok, and the daughter who sets off to find him 15 years after he vanishes.

Set during the Joseon Era, the final, and most enduring Imperial dynasty, both song and tale predate the separations of North and South Korea and thus speak to unity. Ki-Mok leaves his new wife Jeong-Seon and baby daughter A-ri in pursuit of the riches to be made in helping to build a royal abode in Seoul.

So far, so familiar from traditional tales of wayward sons and brave offspring told around the world. Setting this production apart is the lush blend of song, dance, percussion and comedy which sweeps the audience up during the opening bars, and only sets them down when it’s time for curtain call. Look out for a stick dancing routine to shame Dick Van Dyke and ‘Step in Time’!

An expansive, talented cast make memorable characters and a gorgeous, full-throated choral machine. A brace of traditional instruments and thrilling drums further helps transport the audience far, far away from the Assembly Hall. There is a backing track, but it’s superbly integrated into proceedings, and never feels tacked on.

Indeed, the sound balance is fantastic, the vocals are crystal clear despite the volume. When the drums kick in, you feel it through your feet: precisely the way you should feel bass! It’s an idea to bring ear protection if you have sensitive hearing or for little ones who might find it a bit full-on when the cast lets rip.

It’s not all choral power ballads however, there are quiet, romantic, and sometimes tragic developments; oh yes, and disco. I suspect Scottish audiences may particularly warm to the rhythmic working song variants on Arirang which emerge. Those familiar with traditional Scots and Gaelic working songs will find easy parallels.

Also, the happy ending is telegraphed a mile away, but it’s impossible not to feel the joy of an unexpected reunion.

You, like me, will probably be singing “Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo…” as you leave the premises. Oh and look out for the young woman who plays a grown-up A-ri. Amidst a cast of talented singers/dancers, her voice soars out as a singularly beautiful instrument.