Taiko Empowerment

An Otherness Workshop

with Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe

Taiko (Japanese drumming) is an energetic fusion of sound, movement and spirit, and has been a loud and proud voice to express stories of identity and heritage. Through a rhythmic journey, we will share stories through body, rhythm, and the powerful beats of taiko engaging in questions of identity and belonging – how we identify ourselves and how we perceive others. How have I been othered? How have I othered myself? How have I othered others? 

This workshop was developed in partnership with Unit Souzou’s new performance project, Constant State of Otherness, which will be performed in May 2022 in Portland. This project investigates whose narratives are told, unpacking, unraveling, and acknowledging our stories to reveal the complexities and nuances of identity. 

This workshop is designed with beginners in mind, no previous taiko experience necessary, but students must be 16 years of age and older. Participants can expect to be physical and make noise, and to share stories and listen. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water. 

instructor
Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe

Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe

Unit Souzou was founded in 2014 by Co-directors Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe, relentless innovators at the forefront of a growing artistic movement within the taiko community. 'Souzou' can be written in three ways meaning 'creation' (創造), 'imagination' (想像), or...

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Instructions

Before each class, students will be sent a reminder email with any class-specific instructions.

Proof of vaccination and Photo ID are required for in person classes. Please review our Covid-19 Policy before attending class.

Masks must be worn at all times.

Generally, students are encouraged to have a notepad & a pencil for note-taking.

Students are checked-in by name via the class roster, so no additional ticket or receipt is required!

Refunds and Exchange Policy

Artists Rep does not offer refunds for purchased classes.

Exchanges can be made on a case-by-case basis.

If Artists Rep cancels a class, the class will either be rescheduled or refunded.

Scholarships

If you are interested in applying for a class scholarship, please contact Education Manager Barbie Wu at bwu@artistsrep.org.

Taiko Empowerment

An Otherness Workshop

with Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe

When

May 14
2:00 - 4:30pm
with Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe
Best for: Everybody

Location
New Expressive Works
810 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR  97214
United States

Who is this class for
Everybody

Prerequisite
None

Enrollment Cost
$35

Flex Pass Cost: 1 Pass
(contact the box office to register with Flex Passes)

Enrollment Capacity
30