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Taiko Meantime: ‘The Legend of Dojoji’
Malvern Theatres
**** Dojoji
fuses powerful drumming, haunting melodies, exquisite movement and
stunning costumes to tell a dramatic legend – a story of unrequited
love. An
optional pre-show talk is given by Rev. Shunjo Ono, head monk of the
Dojoji temple. He uses a copy of an ancient script to tell the story of
Anchin and Kiyohime, his modest and slightly cheeky presentation giving
an extra dimension to the subsequent performance. The story
is one of unrequited love evolving into obsession. A fleeing monk (Anchin)
is pursued by Kiyohime as her despair turns into rage causing her to
transform into a huge angry serpent. The story, which does not end well
for Anchin, allows the performance to explore various aspects of human
emotion: love, humour, jealousy, pain and rage. The main
performance combines drumming, melodic instruments, voice and dance. The
Taiko drums require significant strength and stamina to play and provide
the powerful heartbeat to the show. This is especially true of a
particularly huge drum played by a single drummer during the second half
of the show. The
skillful Taiko playing style and traditional clothing along with
specific forms of posture and movement give the sense of witnessing a
martial art. The use of voiced calls and shouts punctuate and enhance
the rhythms. The audience are also treated to a humorous interlude
provided by four members of the troupe playing ‘throw the invisible
ball’ with the use of small hand cymbals. Throughout
the show Chieko Kojima dances in a traditional Japanese style with a
slowly opening parasol and dramatic facial expressions adding further
emotion and description to the story as it unfolds. Towards the end of
the show she transforms into a serpent in a very satisfactory manner.
Dojoji continue with their current tour around the country until 13th
November. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Milton Keynes or
Hornchurch before then, and especially if you have not experienced Taiko
drumming before, I would recommend catching the Taiko Meantime show.
Dan Watson
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