Drum Tao entered the international scene with a bang and never left. After a show-stopping performance at Edinburgh's Fringe Festival back in 2004 put this Japanese taiko collective in the European spotlight, they've continued to built on their reputation as one of the most energetic and engaging drumming acts out there. That's a very commendable track record for a drumming troupe that started out in Aichi Prefecture way back in 1993 and then created their own creative commune near Mt Aso a few years later.
Last year, Drum Tao took the stage at Shinagawa's Club eX for a new production titled 'Mangekyo – Revolutionary New Drumming Entertainment in Tokyo'. The show was a hit, hence reason enough to come back for round two this year. Held at Yurakucho's Alternative Theatre from now until June 20, there are a total of 241 performances, with further shows planned at various locations until October. These drummers sure have the stamina.
It's not just about the drums, though: this year's performance is enhanced with digital special effects, namely projection mapping and visuals, provided by homegrown ultra-technologists teamLab. Keeping with teamLab's roots, the imagery centres around nature, with a strong emphasis on scattering flowers, genteel sceneries of foliage billowing in the wind, interspersed with explosive waves lapping up around the stage and behind the performers. Visually, it will be a stunner.
The costumes, on the other hand, were designed by Junko Koshino, who has worked with Drum Tao on multiple performances. Think futuristic samurai-inspired garments for the men, while the women (yes, unlike most taiko groups, Drum Tao is led by a female) are clad in siren-esque flowing robes, which belie their physical strength.
The entire show is quite an entertaining whirlwind of action, and not just due to the mix of high-power drumming, immersive projection mapping and flickering costumes. The drummers themselves get to show off their personality throughout the show, joking around on-stage without missing a beat.
Interested in attending a show? 'Drum Tao: Mangekyo – Revolutionary New Drumming Entertainment in Tokyo' is on most days in the week, with multiple shows on performance days. For more information, click here.