DRUM TAO, a Japanese drumming entertainment group boasting a worldwide audience of 6.5 million, is currently holding a pre-release rehearsal for their new play, "Hyakka Ryoran Nihon Drum Emaki," which kicks off its 16-part run in Tokyo at the Tennozu Galaxy Theater on July 16th. The show, with costumes by designer Junko Koshino and written and directed by Amon Miyamoto, features costumes by Junko Koshino and is a musical by Amon Miyamoto. This production marks the 22nd anniversary of the group's founding, and marks the first time that Amon Miyamoto has been invited to direct it. The story revolves around the coming-of-age of a boy living in a small village in a beautiful country. One day, the boy loses his parents in a sudden volcanic eruption. Then, a natural disaster sparks a conflict with a neighboring tribe. A celestial maiden watches over the boy with a loving heart... A myth passed down through the ages is woven onstage. However, there are no lines spoken. The only sounds echoing through the venue are the tingly sounds of traditional Japanese instruments, including taiko drums, and the actors' shouts of "Seiya!" and "Ha!" The production's highlight is its stunning production, in which all emotions are expressed solely through the sounds of the instruments and the dance. From the elegant festival music to the all-consuming fury of nature, the fierce passion resonating with the battle dance, and the sadness and conflict expressed through the koto and shamisen. The actors sometimes dance while holding taiko drums, and when faced with a giant drum, they beat it with complete concentration. There's no gap between the drumming and the dance, and each character's emotions are conveyed through the full use of their bodies. At the end of the interview, "DRUM TAO" members Arisa Nishi, Takuya Era, and Hiroaki Kishino, as well as Junko Koshino and Amon Miyamoto, participated in a Q&A session. Miyamoto Amon, who is participating for the first time, expressed his confidence, saying, "Seeing them again today, I felt that they were truly amazing. They are people that Japan needs right now, and they have this energy, integrity, and this sense of putting in effort. I almost feel like Japan is doomed if people don't see 'DRUM TAO' (laughs)."
Koshino Junko, who is in charge of costumes, has been working with them since 2012, making this their fourth year. Regarding the costumes for his new production "Hyakka Ryoran," he said in his unique words, "When I first saw 'DRUM TAO,' I wanted to make the costumes more and more striking. Even though they're costumes (for the play), I think it's really important to make them captivating. 'Hyakka Ryoran' is a gorgeous time, and Edo was a fascinating era. I've always dreamed of recreating the atmosphere of that era. So this time, I aimed for something that's incredibly kitschy, explosive, and so amazing it makes you want to scream, yet elegant and cool... I can't really put it into words (laughs), but that's what I wanted. I just want you to see it." The play is also scheduled to open Off-Broadway in New York in February 2016. Both Miyamoto Amon and Koshino Junko have Broadway experience, known as the home of theater. It's precisely because of their backgrounds that they spoke so frankly.
"New York is a tough place. But I'm really looking forward to taking on the challenge with drums, drama and art, something I've never seen anywhere else in the world. The people of New York really pay attention, in a good way. New York only recognizes people who have talent. But to be honest in Japan, there are many people who can get by without talent. I've worked with a lot of people like that (wry smile). In New York, you'll be cut off if you're just an aura or cutesy person. Still, I have a feeling that (DRUM TAO) will definitely be a hit. It's a piece that we've worked on, working hard and shedding blood in the rehearsal room, so I think it will be something that will live up to the expectations of the world. I believe it will create a new whirlwind." (Miyamoto Amon) "Broadway is a very scary place because it's a world where 'good is good, bad is bad' is clearly stated. If you're even slightly lacking, it's all over. That's why I want to hone my skills even more by next year and do something that conveys the fun, elegance, and coolness of Japan, and convey the sensibility that Japan possesses as a message. It's the most fun job. It's wonderful to be in an environment where you can create something with a solid vision like Broadway," said Junko Koshino.
The two then continued to make confident comments, saying, "This is something Japan can be proud of on the world stage," and "We will definitely succeed." While their Broadway challenge is one example, the Tokyo Olympics five years from now, which has been met with mixed reactions due to the construction of the new National Stadium, will also be a platform for sharing Japanese culture with the world. Regarding this, Koshino Junko, who serves as the Cultural Affairs Committee for the Tokyo Olympics, said, "I believe that everything is connected to the Olympics. Of course, it's not just something that belongs to Tokyo, and I think it's something that all of Japan should work on. In that sense, I think DRUM TAO, which has a Japanese sensibility, is a perfect fit. It's like a combination of traditional arts and sports, and I think it fits the concept that Japan is aiming for in the future. I'm not sure what we'll be able to do specifically yet, but DRUM TAO will be touring all over Japan from now on, and if we can deliver a message that connects to the Olympics, I think it will take on even greater significance."
【Performance Details】
"A Profusion of Flowers: Japanese Drum Picture Scroll"
■Tokyo Performances
Dates: July 16th - July 26th (Sun), 16 shows in total
Venue: Tennozu Galaxy Theater
Location: Seafort Square, 2nd floor, 2-3-16 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku
Price: S seats 7,500 yen (1st and 2nd floors), A seats 6,000 yen (3rd floor)
■New York Performances
Dates: February 11th - February 14th, 2016 (Sun), 6 shows in total
Venue: Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
