Fuerza Bruta: Aven Takes the Stage in South Korea

The immersive performance 'Fuerza Bruta: Aven' has made its way to South Korea, captivating audiences at the FB Theater in Seongsu Cultural and Arts Complex. The unique venue, known as the 'Magic Box,' measures 36 meters in length, 24 meters in width, and 14.73 meters in height, and features no traditional seating. When the lights dim, the space plunges into darkness, only to be illuminated by sharp beams of light that cut through the gloom, accompanied by pulsating electronic dance music (EDM). Audience members eagerly pull out their phones to capture the exhilarating moments as they jump and cheer along with the performance.

The show features 14 dancers who perform breathtaking acts, such as dancing beneath a waterfall or racing against gravity on a massive spinning globe, often leaping into the crowd to engage directly with the audience. The 70-minute experience feels like a vibrant and chaotic dream.

In a recent backstage interview, director and creator Diki James, 60, expressed his vision for the show, stating, "The world often focuses on economics, war, and politics, dismissing the joy of celebrating life as a waste of time. 'Fuerza Bruta' stands in stark contrast to that narrative. We want to allow audiences to feel the beauty of life at a pace faster than they expect, aiming to create the happiest show in the world."

Originally from Buenos Aires, James began studying theater at 18 but left the National Theater School after six months to join a theater troupe. In 1993, he co-created 'De La Guarda,' a precursor to 'Fuerza Bruta,' which ran until 2006. In 2002, he established the company and performance name 'Fuerza Bruta.'

James noted, "In Argentina, theater often has a high barrier to entry for the public. Our goal was to create a unique performance language that lowered that barrier, allowing even those who had never seen a play to participate and enjoy."

By blending South American carnival culture, James developed a new format that breaks down the boundaries between stage and audience, encouraging everyone to stand and engage in the performance. He realized the impact of their work when audiences from abroad began to attend the shows, recognizing that they had created a 'language beyond culture.'

The show has since expanded beyond South America, touring internationally. According to the production company, over 6.8 million people have seen the performance across 68 cities in 37 countries, with more than 300,000 attendees from South Korea alone. In New York, the show ran six times a week for nine years.

The success of 'Fuerza Bruta' also led to James's involvement in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games, which he described as a moment that fulfilled his dream of making performances accessible to all. The ceremony featured dancers soaring through the air and running along buildings, showcasing the signature style of 'Fuerza Bruta.'

A highlight of 'Fuerza Bruta: Aven' is the breathtaking scene where an 18-meter-long whale floats above the audience, gracefully gliding as if the venue were a massive aquarium. The audience gasps and cheers as they reach out to touch the whale's fin or belly, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

James remarked, "To me, the whale symbolizes both the beauty and power of nature, as well as its fragility in the face of extinction. After the challenges posed by the global pandemic, we wanted to infuse our new performance with inspiration drawn from nature. Have you seen inside a whale? Two performers manipulate it with their bodies, creating a poetic experience."

He hopes that this performance will provide a refreshing experience for today's youth, who often prioritize productivity over celebration and shared experiences. "In a world where it feels easier to stay behind closed doors with a phone, I find joy in seeing audiences come together to jump and celebrate. What could be healthier than sharing joy face-to-face with others?"

The show runs until June 22, with tickets priced at 121,000 KRW.

'Fuerza Bruta' translates to 'Brute Force' in Spanish, while 'Aven' combines the words for 'Adventure' and 'Heaven.' This marks the sixth performance of 'Fuerza Bruta' in South Korea since its debut in 2013, with 'Aven' being its Asian premiere.