MARTIAL ARTS: DRUM-TAO

PREVIEW BY AMELIA GROOM

Japan’s highly acclaimed company of martial arts drummers, Drum-Tao, are returning to Australian stages to premiere their latest production, Tao ‘ The Martial Art of the Drum.

Blending the ancient traditions of taiko drumming with the flawlessly choreographed production values of contemporary Japanese excellence, their percussion performances feature powerful athletic bodies, highly perfected movements and timeless rituals.

The 10 young performers beat their huge drums with outstanding timing, precision, vehemence and persistency. Their wadaiko drums are instruments of tremendous power and impact that weigh about 400 kilograms and, when pounded skillfully, create a sound that resonates to our cores.

Drum-Tao ‘ named after the Chinese character for ‘way’ or ‘road’ ‘ was founded in 1993 with the goal to create a brand of wadaiko entertainment that would appeal to audiences worldwide. Following their huge success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004, they have toured the globe and performed to millions.

Transcending the realm of traditional performing arts but retaining their profound Japanese spirit, the alluring spectacle of Drum Tao’s shows is a unique experience.

Drum-Tao
July 24-26
State Theatre

49 Market Street
Tickets: $59.90-$79.90, 1300 136 166 or www.drum-tao.com