‘Jelliness is my life motto’: jackpot theatre prize winner Jaha Koo on kimchi, K-pop and his robotic eel
Feted for cooking up shows that can be mouthwatering as well as thought-provoking, the artist discusses his fusion of South Korean and European culture
TL;DR
- Jaha Koo, winner of the International Ibsen award, uses theatre to explore his cultural identity through food fusions like 'Haribo Kimchi'.
- His work often incorporates technology, such as robotic eels and hacked rice cookers, to comment on societal issues and resilience.
- Koo's theatre touches on personal experiences of living abroad, Korea's economic history, and the complexities of global pop culture like K-pop.
- He views theatre as a space for 'thinking together' and fostering solidarity, blending performance with sensory experiences like cooking and eating.
- The award recognizes Koo's innovative approach to theatre, which challenges conventional forms by integrating diverse perspectives and contemporary elements.