CHEF

I got to see this great new play called CHEF, which may well join the likes of NANTA, JUMP, and those other hybrid, Chaplin-like theatre performances. Well, I call them hybrid because they usually banner traditional Korean themes (bibimpap, taekwondo, etc.) and combine them with modern means of theatrical execution. They’re Chaplin to me given the mime and slapstick stunts that are usually pulled-off.

This new CHEF is actually a beat box action comedy show (and that’s copying its promotional one-liner). I’d like to think that it’s actually that and much, much more. I enjoyed the show very much, and I can even say that it’s way, way better than NANTA and JUMP. It should well work that way because CHEF is the combined concepts of both plays. CHEF was actually produced by the makers of the equally successful martial-arts theatre show, JUMP.

CHEF has similarities with NANTA, because as the title suggests, the characters of the story are chefs. And same with the more popular NANTA, the setting is in the kitchen. I would have to give the credit to NANTA for its originality and its performers’ very skillful ‘chopping’ skills. NANTA has a pretty straightforward plot. The chefs have to beat the 6 o’ clock deadline for the huge orders that they got. The hours that pass towards the deadline allowed for the chefs’ parade of vegetables on rolling carts. The entertainment part comes with the dancing and lots of chopping stunts, to which the actors include slight comedy acts for that complete theatrical enjoyment.

But NANTA suddenly became too simple of a plot compared to CHEF. CHEF is that proud bibimpap-maker that showcases the popular Korean dish to the world. The play is a chef's epic search for the secret recipe of Korea's gastronomic delight. He journeys towards time to achieve both culinary and spiritual enlightenment with the Wulin Warrior-cooks. I actually saw the play with two other friends, and one of them said that CHEF not only promoted bibimpap as a delicious Korean dish, but as a healthy meal-- something that promotes well-being.

Now, similarities of CHEF with the play JUMP became apparent with the myriad of talents that were showcased, which even went beyond martial arts. CHEF had amazing beat box sounds, traditional music, modern operatic tunes, and a capella combined. There were also B-boy stunts involved, plus a pack of comedy that sure sent me to more laughs.

The play was held at the art hall of the very posh Times Square mall, a newly-established building around the Yeongdeung-po area. It is by the way one of my most favorite places in Seoul, which made the whole CHEF experience enjoyably great!