Dynamic and strong is this piece called, Taiko. The choreography and lighting design is by Eric Gauthier and the music is composed by Stephen M Boehme. The dancers are Anna Suheyla Harms, Florian Lochner and Rosario Guerira members of the Gautier Dance Company. This piece was performed at the Theaterhaus Stuttgart, Germany.
This piece is based on Japanese Taiko drumming featuring three dancers each “playing” and dancing the part of a taiko drummer. The movement is derived from the actual actions of taiko drummers then enlarged into a balletic contemporary movement language. The movements are strong and precise danced with vigorous power.
The set is stark and simple with three taiko drums made visible by three white lit circles which each dancer “plays”. The dancers are dressed in black costumes and each dance within their own corridor of light. To me what adds strength to the piece is the dynamic use of lighting where the corridors of light are lit simultaneously or at different times depending on which dancer is dancing. The light changes in the same rhythm of the dancers. The changes are sharp and definitely keep me riveted.
I especially like this piece for its dynamic strength and sharp clarity. It is compelling and has a powerful drive.
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