Set your Seoul on fire

MANILA, Philippines - Manila is ready for the Korean hit show Cookin’ Nanta, which will play for a limited season from Nov. 10 to 15 at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

The show is a comic musical, non-verbal performance derived from the traditional Korean instrumental performance Samul nori, a genre of traditional percussion music. The kitchen is its backdrop while the chefs are its main characters. Knives and other kitchen utensils are transformed into musical instruments in the hands of the performers. The performers thrill the audience with acrobatic cooking shows, a surprise wedding ceremony and an exciting dumpling challenge.

The highlight of the show is a water drum sequence where drummers beat five standing kitchenware drums with water and LED lights on them and this climax leaves the audience wondering whether it’s the drums or their heart beating.

Cookin’ Nanta has been one of the most popular shows in Korea since it premiered in October 1997, drawing the largest number of spectators in Korean theater history. It made its international debut in 1999 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it received an award for the best performance. The group has also performed in the UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Australia and the US.

Currently, Nanta can be seen in exclusive theaters in Seoul and Jeju. It is highly recommended by tourists and locals alike.

(For tickets, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. For group bookings, e-mail [email protected].)