TOP UK Taiko drumming ensemble will perform at the Merlin Theatre on 7th November with Kodo’s Chieko Kojima in the ground-breaking UK/Japanese collaboration, Dojoji.
Through powerful traditional Japanese Taiko drums, exquisite music and passionate dance, London’s Taiko Meantime and legendary dancer Chieko Kojima from Japan bring the gripping ancient Japanese legend of Dojoji to UK theatres.
Chieko Kojima – of world-famous Japanese performing arts company Kodo – and narrator Rev. Shunjo Ono, head priest of Dojoji Temple itself, bring great cultural authenticity to the performance of this traditional story of unrequited love. The production’s visual and musical elements are ravishing and fearsome, beautiful and fun. It also features renowned UK musicians Clive Bell (shakuhachi and yoko-bue flutes) and Hibiki Ichikawa (tsuguru-shamisen ‘guitar’).
Artistic Director and leader of Taiko Meantime Mark Alcock comments, “Dojoji is an amazing spectacle. We’re so excited to be joined in Malvern by Chieko Kojima, justifiably a living legend in Taiko and dance, and almost a national treasure in Japan.
“Rev. Shunjo Ono, who first inspired me with this legend 24 years ago, when he was a monk at the Dojoji Temple, is also joining us. It will be an honour to share the stage with them both, and a fantastic opportunity to bring our show to a whole new audience outside London.”
Tickets cost £17, concessions £12.50. Book now : www.merlintheatre.co.uk
