Mu Performing Arts and Dreamland Arts present
a one-night only event!
TAIKO LAB
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 7pm
Dreamland Arts
677 Hamline Avenue N
St. Paul, MN 55104
Admission: $10; call (651) 645-5506
Websites: www.muperformingarts.org
www.dreamlandarts.com
Email: info@muperformingarts.org
April 25, 2007
Minneapolis ¾ Dreamland Arts and Mu Performing Arts are pleased to announce a one-night only special event: TAIKO LAB, on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 7pm. Admission is $10 for all; please call 651.645.5506 or visit www.dreamlandarts.com to reserve tickets. Dreamland Arts is located at 677 Hamline Avenue in St. Paul. For more information, visit www.muperformingarts.org or www.dreamlandarts.com.
TAIKO LAB will feature new works-in-progress by Rick Shiomi, Iris Shiraishi, Jennifer Weir, and Angie Ahlgren – all members of Mu’s taiko drumming ensemble, Mu Daiko. The energetic and mesmerizing experience of taiko blends physical movement and intricate drumming and rhythm in an unforgettable display. Unlike the usual “bang” fest, however, TAIKO LAB will focus on the experimental and unexpected work featuring stylistic variety and pizzazz! (Not your usual taiko concert!) Guest artists and collaborators include Alex Lubert (guitar) and Susie Kuniyoshi (flute).
About Taiko Drumming
“Taiko” is the Japanese word for “drum”. Taiko drumming goes back to the earliest Japanese communities where it was a part of daily life and rituals. Its roots stem from the drums that priests played to banish evil spirits and farmers played to celebrate bountiful harvests. Samurai used to carry taiko into battle to bolster their courage while instilling fear in the hearts of their enemies. Taiko were also used to carry the prayers of the people to their gods. Today, taiko has become a dynamic performance art form of musical drumming and choreographed movement based upon traditional Japanese styles and techniques. The development of taiko in North America is owed largely to the efforts of one man: Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka. While taiko was originally performed by a solo male artist, contemporary taiko is performed by groups including both male and female players. It’s loud, strenuous, and pulsating with adrenaline. Rooted in the heart and spirit of Japan, taiko lives today as an evolving art form that is permeating the world.
About Mu Performing Arts
Founded in 1992 as Theater Mu, Mu Performing Arts is the foremost Asian American theater and taiko company in the Midwest. Mu Performing Arts encompasses the theatrical presentations of Theater Mu and the professional taiko (Japanese drumming) group, Mu Daiko, and remains true to the core value of giving voice to the Asian American experience. Through the transformational power of their works, Mu Performing Arts successfully merges Eastern and Western, traditional and contemporary theatrical forms.
Mu Performing Arts’ mainstage season includes three Theater Mu theatrical productions, one Mu Daiko concert, and several festivals highlighting new works, emerging directors and taiko artists. Outreach programs to schools, community organizations and corporations reach over 56,000 people annually and Mu Performing Arts offers residencies and classes to develop theater and taiko skills for adults and children in the Twin Cities.
The meaning of Mu: Our Mu (pronounced “moo”) is the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese ideogram for the shaman/artist/warrior who connects the heavens and earth through the tree of life. For more information about Mu Performing Arts call 612-824-4804 or visit www.muperformingarts.org.
