UNIT SOUZOU will take you through a rhythmic journey weaving a narrative about cultural awareness and honoring lineage, while recognizing taiko as an innovative expression for an evolving art form.
Through powerful drumming, personal stories, and engaging audience participatory exercises, this program will share the unique history and context of taiko in Japan and the United States.
Portland’s newest professional taiko company, UNIT SOUZOU (pronounced “sohzoh”) is at the forefront of a growing artistic movement within the world-wide taiko community. With over 20 years of professional experience, Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe, co-directors of UNIT SOUZOU are relentless innovators known for their fusion of taiko and Japanese folk dance. ‘Souzou’ can be written in three ways meaning ‘creation’ (創造) ‘imagination’ (想像) or ‘noisy’ (騒々) alluding to a force by which new ideas are born and take shape in the world. Inspired by these words UNIT SOUZOU focuses on building creative and imaginative works for the art form of taiko. In addition to creating groundbreaking theatrical works, UNIT SOUZOU is deeply committed to share taiko through teaching in schools, collaborating with the local community, and offering public classes.
More Info: www.unitsouzou.com
