For those of you with a penchant for physical theatre there's a small treat awaiting you this weekend if you have the time and the money. Over at the Arko theatre in Daehangno 리어카, 뒤집어지다 (Handcart, overturned) is being performed by the Momggol Theatre Company.
This four person play deals with the upturned lives of Seoul citizens in the 1970s when they were turfed out of their houses so that construction could begin on what is now glittering Gangnam.
There's very little dialogue and the cast manage to bring together short scenes of the lives of ordinary people with humour and charm. Whilst comedy carries the play, it is the extraordinary choreography and physical talents of the performers that shine through. The titular handcart also plays a very important part in the movement and it is really exciting to see how the actors explore this fairly ordinary machine transforming it from plaything to homestead to rolling death.
This production is not everyone's cup of tea, but for those who enjoy physical theatre and have an interest in Korea's past, it's well worth seeking out. Tickets are only 20,000 won and the play is performed at 8.00 on Friday, 3.00 and 7.00 on Saturday and 3.00 on Sunday.
To get to the Arko theatre, take the subway to Hyehwa station (line number 4), exit at gate number 2 and take the first left. The red brick Arko theatre is on the left hand side opposite Maronnier Park.
