Review: TAO: DRUM HEART; A DAZZLING DISPLAY OF JAPANESE ARTISTRY ~ at THE BROAD THEATRE

Tao, means the path, or the Way; it is "ever present, but must be manifested, cultivated and perfected in order to be realized." That is the tenet applied in this extraordinary production of Japanese drumming, dazzling choreography and a unique, charming on-stage presence by the entire Cast.

They are: Taro Harasaki, Kiyoko Aito, Hiroyasu Yanaka, Junichi Haragushi, Yasuaki Yamaguchi, Shohei Nakata, Hiroyasu Ikegoshi, Keisuke Yamamoto, Masanori Takayama, Tatsunori Yamaguchi, Kodai Hiwano, Shoya Hamada, Soshiro Fukumizu, Ryudai Ko, Shoko Sakaguchi, Ayumu Hisanaga and Daisuke Iwama. Percussion and Dance artists Extraordinaire.

A visual cornucopia! These artists are dedicated to strong, worthy and satisfying lives and continual development in their chosen craft. They are true athletes, in every respect.

It begins dynamically and with thundering presence. Every costume, every drum decoration, every rapidly changing set and stage formation has a symbolic meaning. The design on their drums, which vary in size, from miniscule to humongously burdensome, have very specific symbols on or fashioned on them.

The show blends the Japanese culture with modern global similarities. It melds centuries of styles together, be it neon-lit skateboards used acrobatically and in total control, or just to deliver a huge drum center stage that becomes the next focus of some primal routine; sword or laser fighting, which fencing is the root of; black-lit, fun, creative levity, a breathtaking variety of uniquely-sounding Japanese musical instruments' compositions with the heartbeat of drums or an oriental flute selectively enhancing the feeling and mood,

One section, performed by one of the male performers, involved a see-thru square object... he balanced it in the air, did acrobatic and gymnastic tricks over, under, above and inside this box; all the while drumming out an exciting rhythm and true to Japanese culture and ways, it is done flawlessly.

There is dynamic diversity in their presentation. We move from intense pounded-out declarations, to the soothing feeling of nature, with women playing the Japanese flute, the sounds of running streams, the ethereal sounds of the Japanese harp and the Shamisen Guitar.

Trust me, your heart will be racing, the good kind of racing; from enjoyment and pleasurable experiences. Uniquely constructed and fascinating in content, it is interspersed with incredible displays of total body and mind coordination, agility and the perfection of isolated intricate rhythms.

Every aspect of this show is thoroughly attended to... The lighting, the innovative costuming and the staging and choreography is impeccably executed, and every moment is exhilarating and explosive which the audience the evening I was there can attest to. Wildly entertaining and precise, collaborative and masterfully performed!

Check them out on http://www.drum-tao.com/main/english for their schedule and fan page.

That's the good news... The bad news is that you will need to wait two years until their next appearance in the U.S. Unless you would like to clamor for their return, like the rest of us in the audience at the Broad Theatre last Saturday evening. You can visit their website, http://www.drum-tao.com/main/english and find out where they are appearing around the world, and let them know you're in! for the next time!

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