This collaboration between Conflux Dance Theater and River City Taiko developed into a 20-minute work across five movements, emphasizing the rhythmic roots of dance and the movement inherent in physical musical performance.
In lighting the piece, I sought to acknolwedge both the relatively modern development of Taiko drumming as an art form, developing a clean and colorful modern palette, while acknowledging the historic origins of the drums and their uses. Drawing out (as well as sometimes obscuring) the contrast between dancers and drummers required a careful use of color, as the light interacted with the costumes and instruments onstage.
The piece premiered in Conflux Dance Theater’s 3rd concert, Synergy, in June 2024, at Grace Street Theater in Richmond, Virginia.
