Korean artist Koo Ja-ha showcased his innovative theatrical work "Haribo Kimchi" at the Czech National Theatre on November 15 and 16, as part of the international Crossroads Festival. The performance was presented through a collaboration between the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Czech Republic and the Czech National Theatre, highlighting the growing cultural exchange between Korea and Europe.
Koo Ja-ha, who is currently active as an artist in Belgium and the Netherlands, created a unique theatrical experience that centered around a Korean street food stall setting. The performance served as a creative exploration of the intersection between Eastern and Western cultures, using two distinct cultural symbols - Haribo gummy candies representing Western confectionery traditions and kimchi embodying Korean culinary heritage - to illustrate this cultural dialogue.
The theatrical work delved into profound themes of identity and the experiences of outsiders living in foreign cultures. Through the metaphor of the street food stall, the performance examined how individuals navigate between different cultural worlds and the challenges of maintaining one's cultural identity while adapting to new environments. This thematic approach resonated particularly well with audiences who may have experienced similar cross-cultural encounters.
The production received an overwhelmingly positive response from Czech audiences, who connected strongly with the universal themes presented in the work. The performance's success at the Crossroads Festival demonstrates the power of cultural arts to bridge different societies and create meaningful dialogue between diverse communities, further strengthening the cultural ties between Korea and the Czech Republic.
