Although Taiko drumming is synonymous with Japanese culture, the musical legacy is believed to have derived from both Korean and Chinese culture. Introduced to Japan in the 6th Century, Taiko drums have taken on various roles; whether it be for communicative, theatrical, religious and military. The drum’s sound is unrivalled; a visceral, earthy instrument that is powerful and engaging enough to take centre stage. The Yamato Drummers celebrate the instrument’s earthiness in their eponymous hit show.
Courtesy of Sadler’s Wells.
David Henry Hwang’s latest drama Chinglish witnesses an American protagonist attempting to establish a business in China; however what stands in the way is a lack of knowledge of culture and the language. Lobo Chan prepares for his role as Cai Guoliang- Culture Minister of Gue Yang; responsible for granting the American protagonist the permission. A trained opera singer and actor, Chan has starred on both stage and screen-most notably starring in Peter Jackson’s epic King Kong in 2005. Chan speaks to us about his latest stage role.