TAO: Seventeen Samurai

Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming

“Extraordinarily talented…incomparable muscular zeal” —Chicago Tribune

Direct from TAO’s successful, sold-out world premiere run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this brand new production, TAO: Seventeen Samurai, will tour North America in 2016. The new show will bring you athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combined with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. TAO: Seventeen Samurai has critics raving about TAO’s extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina. With hundreds of sold-out shows and more than six million spectators, TAO has proven that modern entertainment based on the timeless, traditional art of Japanese drumming, entertains international audiences again and again.

“Undoubtedly one of the finest shows on offer” —Edinburgh Evening News

Creative Approach
TAO was established in 1993 in Aichi prefecture, Japan, with the goal of entertaining the world. In 1995, to pursue an even deeper creative environment, TAO moved to the Kuju area of Taketa city, Oita prefecture, Kyushu Island – the site of the legendary Aso Kuju National Park. Based in Kuju, TAO began the creation of a distinct world of its own, through original theater arts, costumes and more. A production office was established in Kuju to run shows both inside and outside of Japan, as well as market, design and produce video. Then, in 2010 in collaboration with the overseas endeavors of Hakata Ippudo Ramen, a special shop was opened. Fusing food and theater with a Japanese aesthetic, the project conveys the innovative spirit of TAO.

“Powerful, dynamic and unique” —Time Out New York

Imaginative Drum Art
The performers who take the stage for TAO are both highly trained athletes and highly-expressive artists. Melodies of various genres and traditional instruments result in an enchanting scene that only TAO can present, using world-class techniques and specialized knowledge. From 2012, global fashion designer Junko Koshino has collaborated with TAO to unite fashion and entertainment, making an even more sublime performing art.

For more information and tickets: www.placedesarts.com 514-842-2112 or 1-866-842-2112