|
The stunning stage sets and dazzling costumes are enough to take your breath away. But add to that the grace and power of martial arts combined with Korean urban dance and you really do have a unique show which simply should not be missed.
The critically-acclaimed Karma made its debut in the Middle East this week as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival-sponsored Fringe Festival.
An incredible combination of martial arts and Korean dance moves, the show boasts the highest levels of theatrical finesse through a talented cast of more than 50 Korean dancers.
A sell-out crowd attended the opening night on Thursday and theatre-goers said it exceeded all expectations.
Karma will hit the stage at Wafi from Tuesday until Friday at 7.45pm daily to open the second wave of Fringe in Dubai.
Battle
Karma tells the tale of two forces, good and evil, and the battle between the two for ultimate supremacy.
More than 50 performers and crew from five different countries have fused to bring together this world-class production.
At first glance, you can't decide on what to make of the show. While the overall feeling is that of grace and calm, in distinct contrast you are then wowed with some of the most aggressive though impressive martial arts moves you can imagine.
This, at times, leaves you struggling with a theme and style for Karma, but it isn't long before you aren't really too concerned with that anymore.
It's like watching art in the making. Dancers produce black and white paintings live on stage as martial arts Grand Masters (gods) perform impressive katas (sequences) with swords, rods and spears. The power of these katas is counterbalanced by six graceful women (goddesses) whose dances with fans, bells and incense draw from Korean urban dance.
'Amazing'
It's shocking, mysterious and profoundly beautiful. Karma is a spectacular combination of martial arts, ritual and dance revealing awesome powers of mental and physical concentration.
Adrian Nottingale, 28, from south London, England, caught the show while on holiday in Dubai. He said: "It was amazing. I have to be honest, I wasn't particularly bothered about seeing it when my girlfriend mentioned it earlier this week but it has really exceeded all my expectations. The show goes by so quickly because every moment there is something which will keep you entertained. Wonderful."
The show includes stunning stage settings and infuses performance and narrative for a one-of-a-kind show.
Tshering Idnani, DSF senior events coordinator said: "Karma is making its Middle East debut in Dubai during DSF 2008 and visitors and residents will have yet another opportunity to watch a show of international standards."
Karma — the story
In the heavenly realm there live many gods of the universe, each with their own unique duty and role, including the Wind God, Earth God and Fire God. They are all ruled by the benevolent king of gods, Charis, whose reign maintains the natural balance of all the realms.
One of the gods, the evil Asura, has stolen the enchanted fruit, a magical object that bestows celestial omnipotence on anyone who possesses it. In an attempt to claim the throne for himself, he murders Charis, whose death disrupts the balance of the universe and plunges it into darkness. Now, where there was once bountiful life and beauty, there is only death and decay.
The only way to restore balance and harmony is to find a way to grow four magical plants that will resurrect the land and its king. But without any light in the sky and life on earth to cultivate them, the gods must find another way. Furthermore, they must confront and defeat the powerful Asura and destroy the enchanted fruit before its seductive power falls into the wrong hands again.
If they fail, the universe will remain trapped in death and darkness forever.
See it
Karma is a free event and visitors are advised to arrive at Wafi at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start.
|
