San Jose Taiko by Elizabeth

The show San Jose Taiko was a captivating performance that used a variety of visuals to intrigue the audience. Throughout the show they showed the progression of the Taiko in the past thirty years.

The opening to the show set the mood and taught the audience what Taiko is all about. The first half of the show did a good job at showing more traditional Taiko. It was apparent by their movements and by what was said after the show that these songs were very meaningful. Without the discussion afterwards I wouldn’t have realized how meaningful the songs actually were. I think it was important to hear what the performers thought of the songs because it gave a new perspective on the importance.

Although the first half of the show was interesting, I enjoyed the upbeat second half the best. Combining modern day rock with the old style Taiko drumming made for an interesting performance. I think that it was important to show the progression of the Taiko drumming from what it was in the first half, to a more modern style. I liked the more modern music, but I also thought that there was more movement which was made the visuals more appealing. The movement came in a more playful joking manner that added humor to the show.

What made the show was talking to the performers. They were so willing to discuss and answer questions. By hearing their stories about the meaning and work behind the show it made me appreciate it so much more.