SteppingStone Theatre Presents Mu Daiko's Taiko Drumming, 4/27-5/12

SteppingStone Theatre brings the intense sounds and choreographed rhythms of Mu Daiko's Taiko Drumming to the stage, April 27 through May 12, 2012.

Combining driving rhythms and movements inspired by martial arts, taiko (which means "big drum" in Japanese) is a joyful and expressive way to experience Japanese American culture and have a great time! Over the last fifty years, taiko drumming has become a fixture in the Asian American community, and has gained popularity in mainstream American culture as well. Taiko drumming is a dynamic art form born from ancient traditions in Japan that has now evolved into its own unique style in North America.

Iris Shiraishi, Taiko Programs Director and Mu Daiko¹s Artistic Director says Mu Daiko is delighted to be bringing its trademark high-flying energy and enthusiasm and audience engagement to the SteppingStone Theater stage. Taiko's pulsating sounds and choreographed movements exude strength, beauty and sheer fun and is appealing to kids as well as their parents.

She explains, Mu Daiko has been involved in school residency programs for many years and has taught literally thousands of students about this Asian American styling of a distinctly Japanese art form. The program will include tidbits about taiko's history, the drums themselves, and will get everyone involved in learning a simple rhythm. There will also be a little bit of time for a small group of audience members to try out the rhythm on stage.

SteppingStone Theatre's productions are professionally created and produced, with talents drawn from the best in the Twin Cities and throughout the U.S. The young actors are rigorously trained, but remain fresh and vibrant, bringing their joy and sense of fun to all SteppingStone Theatre¹s productions. Enjoyed by all ages, adults as well as children, SteppingStone Theatre's productions are affordable, high-quality entertainment.

All performances are in SteppingStone Theatre's new home, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old architectural gem located at 55 Victoria Street North, one block north of Summit Avenue in the Historic Hill District of St. Paul. Performances are appropriate for all ages. SteppingStone Theatre is fully-accessible to persons with disabilities, and has regularly-scheduled ASL & Audio Described performances. Interpreters can be scheduled for other performances at no additional cost upon request.

Ticket Prices:
Adults: $14.00; Children & Seniors: $11.00
Groups 20+: $7.00 (scholarships available)

Performance Dates & Times:

Friday, April 27 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 28 3:00 pm
Sunday, April 29 3:00 pm
Wednesday, May 2 10:00 am
Thursday, May 3 10:00 am
Friday, May 4 10:00 am & 7:00 pm
(Audio Described Performance)
Saturday, May 5 3:00 pm
Sunday, May 6 3:00 pm (ASL Interpreted Performance)
Wednesday, May 9 10:00 am
Thursday, May 10 10:00 am
Friday, May 11 10:00 am & 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 12 3:00 pm

Performance times and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org.

Photo credit: Michal Daniel, 2012.