“Mountains” is collaborative work that Kodo created with a special guest artist, Korean drum (Janggu) performer Choi Jaechol. The production toured throughout Japan in 2024 and was captured live in Tokyo for this DVD.
“The theme of this production is ‘Journeys create rhythms.’ These are Choi Jaechol’s words, and I wanted Kodo and Choi to explore this idea together to develop a new work. We started the creation process by setting out to walk around Sado Island, playing taiko slung over our shoulders.
As we walked and drummed, we got to intuitively experience how the rhythms we played were affected by our movements and center of gravity. This enhanced our understanding of rhythm, and we saw our rhythms become deeper and richer, shifting from singular beats to more lineal rhythms. This process—this journey around Sado—allowed us to create a work with more spontaneity and variance. It’s intricate and filled with moments that allow what each performer felt and experienced on the journey to seep in. I believe it captures how we all rediscovered Sado as we walked it with taiko. I hope you enjoy this journey to the very last beat.”
Yuta Sumiyoshi, Artistic Director
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