Darkness Poomba: Korean dance in London

Posted on September 27, 2016

Modern Table, a Korean dance and music group led by choreographer Kim Jae-Duk, make their UK debut at The Place from October 24 to 25, as part of K-Music, London’s festival of Korean music.

Darkness Poomba takes contemporary and Korean traditional dance, blending it with live music inspired by ancient Korean song – the “poomba” of the title. It reinterprets traditional poomba tunes, through dance and modern sound media, including rock music. Three musicians play guitar, bass and drums, while the dancers perform on a bare stage and throughout the theatre.

Coming to London after a successful European tour, Darkness Poomba combines ancient and modern Korean music. It’s part of a wider festival that includes folk music, jazz, and a collaboration between Kyungso Park, who plays the traditional Korean gayageum, and saxophonist Andy Sheppard. The festival runs until October 25. Visit serious.org.uk/K-Music for details.

For tickets and more information about Darkness Poomba, visit www.theplace.org.uk.

Pictures: Modern Table in Darkness Poomba. Photographs by Manning

Zoe Anderson

Zoë was born in Edinburgh, and saw her first dance performances at the Festival there. She is the dance critic of The Independent, and has also written for The Independent on Sunday, The Scotsman and Dancing Times. In 2002, she received her doctorate from the University of York for a thesis on “Nationhood and epic romance: Ariosto, Sidney, Spenser”. She is the author of The Royal Ballet: 75 Years and The Ballet Lover’s Companion.