ARI: The Spirit of Korea
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (musical theatre, traditional)
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Venue 35Assembly Hall - Main Hall
- 13:30
- Aug 25
- 1 hour
- Country: Korea, Republic Of
- Group: Jeongseon Arirang Culture Foundation, Korean Season presented by AtoBiz Ltd
- Warnings and additional info: flashing lights / strobe warning
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 18 months
Description
Winner, Best Physical Theatre Award 2023, Adelaide Fringe. ARI is a transformative musical odyssey that brings the 600-year-old folk song Arirang to life, exploring universal themes of love and connection. Recognized twice by UNESCO, ARI is a testament to the song's enduring legacy and the power of personal bonds. Celebrated for its vibrant music and storytelling, ARI takes audiences on a profound emotional journey, echoing Korea's rich cultural heritage. 'Uplifting, magical, and wonderous' ***** (TheAUReview.com). 'ARI is Korean culture at its best with a happy ending!' (StageWhispers.com.au).Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: There are 48 steps from the main entrance however there is separate level access entrance via a rear door on Lawnmarket. This is adjacent to the Johnston Terrace roundabout, and is next to the Ensign Ewart which is at 521 Lawnmarket, EH1 2PE. Please ring doorbell for entry.
- Stairs: 20+
Wheelchair access type: Level Access
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Neil 14 days ago
The cast are very enthusiastic and are the key to making this show so enjoyable. It feels like it could hold your attention for much longer if the show were more than an hour, and yet the cast savour every second they get to entertain the crowd.
I was personally a huge fan of the drumming segments.
Trace Schroeder 15 days ago
"Ari," a Korean show, masterfully blends humor, sadness, and conflict, creating a story that will move you to your core. The actors' and actresses' phenomenal performances bring the narrative to life, making the exploration of love, family, and human interaction unforgettable. This production is truly Broadway-worthy, evoking tears and leaving a lasting impression. It is a MUST SEE!
Fiona Keith 16 days ago
Really enjoyed the show. Fantastic energy from a very talented cast. Lovely voices & such a happy & feel good show.
Kristine 16 days ago
Amazing show! Beautiful storytelling!
The show that transcend language barriers, communicating emotions and thoughts in a manner that words alone cannot express. Scenography, choreography and art of performance was remarkable. A must see!
transcends the languages.
Philip Darbyshire 16 days ago
Breathtaking as ever. You run out of superlatives for Arirang!!!!! We have become almost ‘Ari groupies’
Mark Dawson 17 days ago
What a lovely show this is, a musical that has everything. It is an emotional and cultural journey. My favourite part was the song that the granddaughter sings to her dead grandmother. It is very moving. But there is much fun to be had as well. Marvellous!
Kapil Narain 17 days ago
Would give it 6 stars if I could!
WATCH THIS SHOW
Absolutely brilliant. Best show at the fringe. The choreography, story, costumes and music was excellent. Love the atmosphere - the performers really make you feel like you are part of the story. At the end I couldn't help leaving with a huge smile singing Arirang Arirang Arariyo!
Blue 17 days ago
Fantastic and immersive show. Strongly recommended and would love to watch it once more
Tanya Whittall 20 days ago
Took kids ages 12&9. We all loved it. Was recommended by my sister in law and didn't disappoint at all. We laughed and cried and found ourselves signing the songs afterwards. Brilliant
Linda Watt 22 days ago
Fantastic energetic colourful show. Funny in parts too. Amazing cast.
Alastair Cozens 22 days ago
Colourful traditional costume and makeup, sharp choreography and fine solos combine to make this show a delight. The performers convey an enthusiasm for their culture which is infective.
Elina 24 days ago
A wonderful performance interpreting the Korean folk song 'Arirang' with beautiful dancing, drums, and singing. The subtitles on the screens and also projected onto the curtain can be seen from most seats (otherwise they're marked as 'restricted visibility'), but get to the venue a bit early to get an extra good spot!
Gina Wilcox 25 days ago
Dazzling, uplifting, majestic, joyful. One of our top picks of the Fringe.
Sarah G 25 days ago
I took my children aged eight and 10 and they loved the show. It was a visual spectacular. It didn’t matter that we didn’t understand Korean as there’s subtitles. It was a feast for the eyes. The dancing,music and story were very engaging and the performance was very professional, would thoroughly recommend it.
G 26 days ago
Incredible show and something so different from a lot of other fringe shows. The cast were exceptional and so professional. The dancing, singing, costumes and performances were first class. Myself and my two friends thoroughly enjoyed this show. Bravo!
Terry Whitehead 30 days ago
Truly amazing. Wasn’t too sure what to expect, and it wasn’t really this. A Korean musical? with dancing, drums, loved the drums, acting, music, love and sadness. It had it all, yes all in Korean but there are subtitles and a traditional story to follow.
Loved it, so Festival and so much fun.
Big thanks to the entire cast
Stuart Clive Herritty 30 days ago
See something different at the Fringe! See Ari!
totally professional entertaining musical from a skilled, musical, energetic cast. Loved it and would see it again.
Don't miss out. and don't worry about the language barrier. This show comes with subtitles!! (not that you need them to follow the story!)
Emma 31 days ago
Really enjoyed this! Such a talented group and a joyful watch! Would recommend!
Thomas 32 days ago
I went as part of a group and we all loved Ari. It's a high energy musical with a historic setting, beautifully and cleverly staged, with excellent singing, great athletic dancing, and some textbook Korean percussion. All of the cast were excellent, and the theatre company are so enthusiatic in what they are doing that it's easy to get swept along. A top show.
Paul 33 days ago
A very exciting and enthusiastic team make this a joy to watch. Great songs, vocalists and music accompany a subtitled story. I'd suggest sitting centrally if possible for a better view of the stage and subtitles. A great way to spend an hour.
My only criticism is not towards the show itself but the venue - I've never seen a show with so many people freely recording on their phones in a theatre throughout the entire show. If the show permits it, it might be nice to at least ask people to limit it and/or turn down the brightness on their phone while filming. This may just have been an unlucky incident.
Foteini Penna 33 days ago
Visually amazing with enthusiastic performances, full of colour, music and dancing! Go with your kids or alone!
EW 33 days ago
This may be the show of the Fringe! A full-on musical that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best musicals on West End and Broadway. In fact, not even the best musicals have the depth of 4-5 excellent vocal performers which ARI has. If you love musicals, this is a MUST-SEE! 6/5 and contender for best show this Fringe!
Devin Stypa 33 days ago
This show was wonderful! From the singing, dancing, the drums, the humor, and the touching moments, every part of this show was very well done and a pleasure to watch. Visually stunning, there was not one moment that I did not enjoy.
Anne McGown 35 days ago
A visual feast for your senses. Music, dance, story line, humor, beauty. It has it all. You would pay $$$ for similar entertainment in Las Vegas and it would not be as good as Ari.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Scottish Field 23 days ago
Edinburgh Guide 24 days ago
TheatreReviewsKurahashi 25 days ago
British Theatre Guide 25 days ago
Broadway Baby 26 days ago
The Quintessential Review 34 days ago
Edinburgh Reviews 35 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.