It's a way of connecting people. In ancient Japan, the Taiko drum was said to resemble a mother's heartbeat felt by the child in her womb. The power of the drum to soothe and nurture is apparent in each of the company's performances. Last night there was an infant in the audience who was fast asleep during our most dynamic drumming piece. Babies seem to find it comforting.
Adults seem to find it comforting as well.
One Berkeley audience member told Akamine that the music of Kodo encouraged her and gave her the spirit to keep going despite a difficult period in her life. The Taiko seems to have this power. Although heritage and culture are a prevalent part of Kodo's performances, the company has added contemporary elements that reflect a break in tradition and a readiness for change. For the first time since the onset of its tour, Kodo will feature four female Taiko drummers as part of its ensemble. While women have always had a role in Kodo, they were only allowed to dance in accompaniment to male drummers.