Living between two cultures is not easy. In this exploration of her own personal journey as someone born in South Korea, but now living in New York, Yeena Sung is the proverbial fish out of water, neither one thing nor the other… except herself. Performed mainly in English, but with smatterings of Korean, it really draws you into that mash-up of worlds.
Sung is a talented performer, with her skills to the fore as she shifts easily between songs, storytelling, acting and working with the multi-media playing in the background. With direct address to the audience, Sung is appealing and very likeable as she compares herself to a goldfish, a theme that runs through this piece (it will make you think differently – and fondly - about goldfish after this). At one point she sings sounds that call like a siren of maritime myths, a haunting and enchanting way of drawing of the audience into the fishbowl with Sung. A sell-out show, the audience responds well to the themes explored on stage: the casual discrimination that was dismissed unfairly, the loneliness of feeling you do not ‘fit’ in, the challenges of being pigeon-holed and the eventual realisation that being ‘you’ is enough, that you will find where you fit.
Sung’s voice and music writing style are very strong, with a hint of the soulfulness of Fiona Apple. The storytelling works really well in its different elements, ensuring that the journey of the story is not static, but instead woven into the fabric of the show, using elements of Korean culture to . At the end, the audience is invited to add their hopes and dreams to the washing line on stage, rolled up in a scroll, ensuring that a part of us remains with her in her story. A wonderfully charming piece that will stay with you and will surely have a further journey after the Fringe – strongly recommended.
Show Time: 2-10 Aug @ 11:35 (Now ended)
Greenside @ George Street
Ticket Prices: £10 (£7)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/welcome-to-my-room
Accessible entry: Through Wheelchair access entrance, then on same level through to Lift down to lower ground floor. Wheelchair access type: Level Access, Lift (Building Lift). Stairs: Information not supplied. Wheelchair Accessible Toilets. Audio Enhancement System. Age: 12+ (Guideline), Audience participation; Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years.