An Immersive Performance by Hea Min Jung.

In code of engagement, Berlin based, Korean artist and choreographer Hea Min Jung embarks on a spiritual journey which draws on two pivotal moments in her life. A childhood memory of a game where rubber bands and movement are used to create intricate patterns, and a deeply personal tragedy: the suicide of Jung’s grandfather, who used a thin rope tied to objects and furniture in his bedroom.

The performance begins with a drum beat sounding throughout the theatre, like a metronome or ticking clock, drawing the audience into a performance area where they are seated either conventionally or sitting on cushions on the stage. The traditional theatre stage is reimagined, featuring large elastic ropes extending from floor to ceiling in an arrangement reminiscent of a spider’s web. Materials suggestive of shed skin are strategically placed throughout the auditorium and around the stage. Before the audience is even fully seated, Jung writhes across the stage inviting half the audience to follow her. With gentle hand movements she beckons them out, moving into a separate installation in the Print Room; a long column of temple bells and red lights hanging from the ceiling. Dancing within the circle, the red lights shift with the movement as she struggles to escape whilst shadows cast onto the walls extend her presence beyond just her physical form.

With spectators returning to the first installation in the main hall there is a strange sense of confusion as some of the remaining audience leave for the Print Room installation whilst many remain seated; to leave or stay, follow or not? On the stage is a second artist painting a substance on the elastic ropes and leaving puddles on the floor. People look around and spend time on their phones; there is a complete loss of momentum.

When Jung comes back to the auditorium, she once more captivates the audience with her remarkable movements. She uses a rod of light to guide the focus to the stage, letting the glow drift into the auditorium and creating a sense of connection.

Drawing on principles of movement inspired by Korean shamanic rituals, and using geometric patterns of elastic lines, Jung reimagines the human body. With deliberately ungainly and distorted body lines, toes become tongues and elbows listen. Gesturing to her stomach, we understand the feeling of pain. 

It is unfortunate that the performance divides in the way that it does. I spoke to two audience members who had misinterpreted the invitation to leave and had sat for almost 30mins waiting for Jung’s return. If one is performing an experimental immersive piece, it is important that the audience is aware of what is required of them. There is no denying Jung’s talent, and the choreography that emerges is spiritual, raw, moving and evocative.

3 ½ Stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Code of Engagement is showing at The Coronet Theatre 2nd – 4th October.

https://www.thecoronettheatre.com/whats-on/code-of-engagement/

Cast and Creatives

Artist / Director / Producer: Hea Min Jung

Sound: James Whipple

Performer: Hea Min Jung

Installation Assistance: Eun-Seok Lee

Costume: Nagi Gianni

Film: Mother Offline, Bickmann & Kolde GbR