B-boying and musicals mix it up



In the past few years, B-boy performances - dances by b-boys devoted to hip-hop culture, especially the breakdance element - have gained growing attention from a wide range of audiences in Korea. They have evolved from street dance battles to well-organized shows, some of which have made it to theaters.
Now, comedian turned musical producer Baek Jae-hyun has created "Skywalk," a dance musical combining the two somewhat contrasting genres of b-boying and musicals.
Unlike most b-boy shows, which run for 10 minutes at the most, the musical is made into a program whose length is longer than one-hour, and features dramatic aspects in addition to the attention-getting b-boying.
"Because dance appeals to the audience`s rationality, the impression they get from the show doesn`t usually last long," Baek said at the press conference which took place in Seoul on June 24. "Skywalk intends to stimulate the audience`s emotion, which can lead to the show`s long run."
"Skywalk" is differentiated from other b-boy performances since there is drama in the story, according to Lunatic Co, the show`s production company. Considering that non-verbal performances can fail in making their stories understandable to the audience, "Skywalk" puts a rapper in the show to deliver the story verbally.
"I think the rap and music go well together and they are not bad at all," the director Kim Sung-il said. "I think the rap, music and dances help the whole show flow naturally and dynamically."





▲Baek Jae-hyun (front row, second from right) poses for a photo with the actors from "Skywalk" at a press conference in Seoul on June 24. [Lunatic Co.]



Meanwhile, B-boys in musicals have been criticized by audiences for not acting as well as professional actors. So, the crew decided to bring in musical actors skilled at both acting and dancing to play the show`s main characters. Lunatic Co. said the b-boys and musical actors can compensate each others` weaknesses.
Baek has already staged the musical "Lunatic," which has been a success since premiering in 2004.
"With the experience and know-how I achieved in doing `Lunatic,` I hope to make the show popular across the country, and ultimately at Broadway," he said.
The script for "Skywalk" was written by Hwang Sun-young, who is also currently scripting the well-known domestic TV show "Hwanggeumajang."
The producer also said the show was created to target the world market from the beginning, since non-verbal shows are the only genre that could overcome the language barrier between the show and audiences from all over the world.
"Starting with participating in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in October, we ultimately intend to make it to Broadway," Baek said.
"Skywalk" is a story of the friendship between a high-school baseball star and his b-boy friends, their passion and the process where they overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.
The dance musical is to be staged from July 4 to Aug. 14 at the National Theater of Korea. Tickets run from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 769-5056.

By Koh Young-aah

(youngaah@heraldm.com)


2008.06.30

This sounds pretty sweet. I love watching vids of b-boys and b-girls. But a musical, even better.

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I'd rather be out in the summer rain
Getting soaked yeah I wouldn't complain
But I think too much and I'm left to blame
Feeling strangely the same
I'm drawing pictures around your name
Conversation slowly sketched away
With the words I could not say
Couldn't find anyway

This would be very interesting to watch, especially if new/unique moves are placed throught the show.

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