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Friday, February 24, 2017

In Context: Dadan 2017



Japan’s preeminent taiko drum ensemble Kodo showcases the spectacular sonic possibilities of traditional time-honored instruments in this tightly choreographed pageant of percussion. Context is everything, so get closer to the production through our series of curated links, videos, and articles. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #DadanKodo.

Program Notes

Dadan 2017 (PDF)

Read

Article
Rigorous Rhythm: Kaoru Watanabe on Taiko (BAM blog)
We talk taiko with Brooklyn-based Kaoru Watanabe, a former member of (and only American) in Kodo.

Article
The Life of a Kodo Apprentice (BAM blog)
Learn more about the devoted, holistic lifestyle at the core of Kodo's spectacular performance practice.

Article
Inside the kingdom of Kodo (Japan Times)
"Tamasaburo brought a new way of thinking to us." A look at Kodo's work with artistic director and kabuki theater giant Tamasaburo Bando.

List
Taiko Glossary (Taiko.com)
Brush up on your taiko terminology before seeing Dadan 2017.

Article
Kodo, Japanese Taiko Drumming Company, To Tour Across United States In Early 2017 (Forbes)An overview of the company’s Dadan tour, which visits 22 US cities between January and March of this year.

Watch

Video
Kodo (YouTube)
Enjoy this wordless video history of Kodo’s tours around the world, starting with a peek at their company’s rigorous daily training on Japan’s secluded Sado Island.

Video
Message from Tamasaburo Bando V (YouTube)
Master Kabuki actor and company director Tamasaburo Bando offers some reflections upon receiving the 2011 Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy: “Devote yourself to the things you truly love.”

Video
Tamasaburo "Inabune" 坂東玉三郎 「稲舟」 (YouTube)
A glimpse at the incomparable Kabuki performance work of Tamasaburo Bando.

Now your turn...

What did you think? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #DadanKodo.

10 comments:

  1. Dadan 2017@ #BAM was a powerful & amazing performance. I love KODO.

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  2. As always, the show blew me away. I wish I'd bought a ticket to see them each night from the front row. I'm amazed at the intricacies of the drumming and how the wonderful group -- each member with his own distinct personality -- remember each "song." This isn't just randomly banging some sticks on a variety of drums. The care, study, knowledge, expertise, art, soul, and sometimes playfulness are impressive and humbling.

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  3. Going to BAM for decades -- this is one of the most memorable shows EVER! Fantastic, amazing, unforgettable -- as precision, technique, effort and especially rhytm, that fascinating rhytm/pace which makes you wish the show never ends! (Thanks to BAM for offering me an exchange orchestra ticket -- admiring the artistry up-close was incredible...). Congratulations to all!

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  4. Best thing I have seen in the theater in years. I am partial to percussion as I am a Grateful Dead/ Rhythm Devils fan. These guys give Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann a run for the roses. Totally electric.

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  5. Dadan was simply amazing. I have seen Kodo a few times over the years, both before and after the Kabuki master began directing. This is a little more like the first show I saw, in that it is just men, and its more drumming and less melody. But the direction of the Kabuki master it's very evident in the staging, the choreography, and the vast variety of drum sounds. The occasional use of beautiful subtle melodies is extraordinary. And while the performers function as a team, their individual talents and personalities come out. Some of the men are consistently dignified and serious, where others display youthful and happy dispositions. I don't believe this is just due to acting. I think the performers talents and personalities are encouraged to emerge.

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  6. Simply amazing. Outstanding staging, terrific display of stamina and artistry. So grateful for the experience. Thank you BAM for bringing them to US

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  7. This is the 2nd time I see Kodo. They are absolutely amazing! BAM please keep bringing them.

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  8. Words can't explain my experience tonight. These drummers beat the hell out of my heart tonight. It's like my heart wasn't beating right until tonight. I got chills and the final piece shook my body and surrounding like an earthquake. I thought the building was gonna collapse for a sec. Tonight was their last but I'm looking forward to their return.

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  9. Yess Kodo played the hell out them taiko drums, I enjoy the show but I enjoyed it more because it was my birthday. It was a beautiful show, Tamasaburo Bando has done it again ❤❤

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