"Kemono Michi" - Path of the Wild Animals

Leonard Eto, one of the world's most accomplished and innovative contemporary Taiko players and ex Artistic Director of Kodo drummers, returns to the UK. This time he brings his internationally award-winning collaboration with classically trained ballerina lori Tadokoro in their performance fusing the power and sensitivity of Taiko with the grace and elegance of dance.

As well as a path trodden by animals in the wild, “Kemono Michi” means to choose a different way of life…let the sound of the Japanese drums lead you on this journey.

Support by Futari Taiko, featuring James Barrow of TaikoWest and Teresa Brookes of PlayTaiko.

“To attend a Leonard Eto performance is to experience captivating mastery of an art form. Leonard unfolds a story from within each instrument with a care and intense creative focus that can rarely be found” - audience member

Leonard will be running workshops as part of the tour, please see www.playtaiko.com/leonard-eto-uk-tour-2025 for more details.

Biographies:

Leonard Eto / taiko
Leonard Eto is one of the most accomplished and innovative contemporary taiko players, whose vision and creativity have deeply influenced the way taiko is performed and viewed in the world today. The distinctive hallmarks of his playing are the fluidity and luminous, dance-like quality; the coexistence of power and effortlessness, and the immense joy expressed in his music and performance. In 1984, Leonard joined the Japanese taiko drum group Kodo and soon became the principal player, organizer, musical director and composer. In 1992, Leonard left Kodo to pursue a solo career. His collaborative activities include working with Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, The Chieftains, INXS, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Roger Taylor from Queen, as well as world music artists and travelling to perform in over 55 countries. His original compositions have been featured in films such as The Lion King, JFK and The Hunted.

Iori Tadokoro / dance
Iori Tadokoro is one of the few dancers who can fuse the aesthetic sense of Japanese drumming with the expression of ballet. Iori Tadokoro studied abroad in France under Daini Kudo for a period of time, performing in the production starring Marie-Claude Pietragalla. She is a main cast member of Leonard Eto's "Kemono Michi" and also featured in the tours of Italy, Germany and Belgium.

The tour is supported by the Japan Foundation and brought to you in conjunction with: TaikoWest (www.taikowest.com), PlayTaiko (www.playtaiko.com) and Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers (www.taiko.co.uk)

PHOTO CREDIT: Maiko Miyagawa