Tuesday night’s performance will be the third time that I have seen TaikOz on the Civic Theatre stage.
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The previous two times, I have been entranced and deeply moved, I have moved with grace and dignity in the following days and I wholeheartedly recommend seeing TaikOz as an experience.
"Taiko" is the Japanese word for "drum" and TaikOz is Australia’s premier taiko drumming group.
A TaikOz performance, however, is more than just the beating of drums: it incorporates a complete world of drumming, song and dance that on the one hand harks back to ancient Buddhist and Shinto rituals and on the other, is a reflection of contemporary musical life, irrespective of nationality.
While once a uniquely Japanese art form, its transformation into an international language is a recent phenomenon and one in which TaikOz is very much at the forefront.Crimsio
Haiku by Miura Yuzuru
aka-tombo red dragonflies
sarasara nagaru flowing like a ripple
akane-zora toward the crimson sky
Taking as its inspiration from the beautiful haiku by Miura Yuzuru, Toward The Crimson Sky explores the idea of living through the course of a day – from the crispness of an early morning to the red softness of an Autumn evening.
Pairing koto virtuoso Satsuki Odamura with TaikOz, artistic director Ian Cleworth's 50-minute work ranges from the meditative to the explosive, employing all of the forces that TaikOz is famous for – visceral taiko drumming, translucent bamboo flute melodies and dynamic movement.
“I have long-enjoyed the English translation of this haiku by Miura Yuzuru,” says Ian Cleworth.
“The poet’s images conjure thoughts and feelings that are on the one hand beautiful, colourful and sensual, and on the other, intensely – almost painfully – poignant and emotionally affecting.
“The autumnal image of a cloud of dragonflies flying into a deep red sky arouses visions of impending death, whereas the reference to ‘flowing like a ripple’ is both playfully lighthearted and sensuous with a strong feeling of choreographed movement.”
The concert also features two new works by TaikOz members: Tom Royce-Hampton (Solace) and Anton Lock (Exploration). Solace is quiet, reflective and melodious and Exploration is highly rhythmic, dynamic and energetic featuring virtuosic playing from Graham Hilgendorf on the drum set.
Performance Tuesday, September 23 at 7.30pm. A $15 student rush ticket will be available all day, on the day of the performance both online and at the Box Office – student identification will be required.
Join TaikOz for a 90-minute “Taiko is for Everyone” session. Experience first-hand the amazing sound of the awe-inspiring Japanese taiko by learning some basic techniques and a short piece of music – prior musical training is not a requirement.
In a 'Taiko is for Everyone' workshop you will:
* Experience first-hand the amazing sound of the taiko by learning some basic techniques and a short piece of music.
* Learn about the history and the concepts behind the Art of Wadaiko (taiko drumming)
* Enjoy making music with other people and receive a good physical workout!
When: Workshop on Tuesday, September 23, 4pm to 5.30pm
Contact the Box Office on 6926 9688 or boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au.
"The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is an essential national treasure determined to delight with their bravura physical skills, their interdisciplinary cleverness and the huge, audience-embracing sense of fun in their work. It’s hard to find more bang for your bucks!" – Sydney Morning Herald
Based in Albury, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus will venture to Wagga for the first time to perform on the October long weekend. What a wonderful way to round out the school holidays and send the kids back to school with a bounce.
When on stage, the extraordinary young artists of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus become a powerful voice for their generation, with the physical skills to engage their audience on a virtuosic level and the performance skills to engage their audience on an emotional level.
With an original soundtrack by Morganics, one of Australia's leading hip hop composers, Control Alt Delete delves into the ideas and emotions of the young artists themselves, creating a relevant, energetic and above all honest performance, with universal ideas presented in an entertaining, accessible and thrilling way.
Control Alt Delete is a truly unique performance featuring 16 highly skilled young artists of Australia’s National Youth Circus aged between 10 and 18.
Under the dynamic direction of award-winning director and choreographer Jodie Farrugia, this work brings together circus, physical theatre and dance to present an athletic, entertaining and moving piece of contemporary circus with emotion and meaning at the heart of every trick.
When: Saturday, October 4 at 1pm and 7.30pm
* Life in the Spotlight: Season runs September 13 to 27
* Diesel – Lit Up: Saturday, September 20
* TaikOz – Crimson Sky: Tuesday, September 23
* The Fleetwood Mac Experience: Friday, September 26
* Marina Prior: Saturday, September 27
* Unholy Ghosts: October 1
* Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Control Alt Delete, October 4
* The Girls from Oz: Wednesday, October 8
* Airswimming: Season runs October 9 to 19
Monday to Friday: 10am to 5.30pm
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Want to book tickets? You can go online (www.civictheatre.com.au), remember you can select your own seats if you book online, phone us on 6926 9688 or drop in to see us.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre is a cultural facility of Wagga Council.
The Civic Theatre, including the Box Office and Bar is always open 45 minutes before the show.