What: Osuwa taiko drumming
When: June 21-24, 2012
Where: Nash Motor Company at the St. Lou Fringe Festival
The origins of the Japanese taiko tradition can be found in outdoor and large-space ceremonies as well as on the battlefield, where the massive drums were used to motivate troops. That means taiko is nothing if not loud, so when the energetic young performers of St. Louis Osuwa cut loose in the relatively intimate performance space at the Nash Motor Company, it’s enough to make your sinuses vibrate.
The troupe isn’t just about volume, of course. Their performance is a lively mix of drumming, chant, and choreographed movement. Add in the colorful costumes and you have a show with a strong visual appeal to go along with the auditory and visceral impact of those drums.
Most important of all, though, is obvious joy St. Louis Osuwa Taiko’s members take in the entire process. You might come out of the Nash with a bit of temporary high frequency hearing loss, but if you don’t also come out with a smile on your face you’re a bigger curmudgeon than I am. You might even want to consider buying one of their CDs.
You’ll definitely want to see St. Louis Osuwa Taiko at the Fringe, but take my advice: stop by your local drug store and pick up a pair of earplugs. Your eardrums will thank you for it.
For more information on the St. Lou Fringe Festival, including a complete performance schedule, visit stlfringe.com.
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