I confess that I agreed to review this show with some trepidation. Drum solos are not my cup of tea. I pictured myself looking at my watch every five minutes as the pounding drums caused a pounding in my head with no relief in sight. I was familiar with the sound of taiko drums, but only as cinematic window dressing rather than the centre of attention. In short, I was due for a crash course in the instrument which the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers happily gave me in spades.

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers

You would expect that Mugenkyo would be based in Japan. Not so, this ensemble (currently celebrating its 25th anniversary) is a multinational family of old and new performers based in Scotland who not only keep the old traditions alive, but create new ones of their own through original composition, contemporary choreography and technical effects. Indeed, when I wandered through the door, I could hear the sound of a didgeridoo and wondered if I was in the right place. What I heard was one of the group’s originals Belenos, an instrument that combines bagpipe and shakuhachi with the didgeridoo.

The Mugenkyo I saw was a quartet of founders Neil Mackie and Miyuki Williams in company with Stella Chan and Edina Nagy. Mackie specialises in the Odaiko, a large drum that has to be mounted vertically and played standing up, and which produces a resonant bass sound. The women played the traditional taiko drums but varied between small and large drumsticks. I was amazed at the variety of sounds, timbres and rhythms that the combination created and intrigued by the spectacle. The energy of the performers is infectious. My favorite composition was Chronos/Todoroki where the women complemented their drumming skills with a light show, Noh masks and ultraviolet streamers. Williams’ cheeky Chanchiki bell solo was also delightful and the audience eagerly joined in when asked.

The Shichisan Stomp finale was breathtaking as the four performers moved between three drums while maintaining a breakneck rhythm.

It was fun as well as informative.

The Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers play as part of the Adelaide Fringe until March 13

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