DOZENS of Millicent High School students were immersed in the explosive culture of the Yamato Drummers of Japan during a recent visit to Mount Gambier’s Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre.
The Japanese language Year 8 students took to the stage to learn the Taiko tradition, which has been carved over centuries.
Japanese language teacher Fernanda Ikeda said the Japanese language program was introduced at Millicent High School this year.
“We are trying to expose students to the culture and to people who speak Japanese,” Ms Ikeda said.
She said she was amazed with the passion displayed by the world-renowned drummers during the high-energy workshop.
“It is such an art, ” said Ms Ikeda, who explained students enjoyed the unique experience.
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre manager Frank Morello described the performance by the Yamato Drummers of Japan as exhilarating for theatre-goers.
Exploding on stage, the performers brought centuries of Japanese culture and tradition to the Blue Lake city.
“It was wonderful to have Millicent High School Japanese language students attend the workshop and learn about Taiko drumming and how important it is to Japanese culture,” Mr Morello said.
“It was a high energy workshop and the students were put through their paces physically, rhythmically and musically.”
He said it was great for the students to be exposed to be such an expressive art form and they seemed to enjoy the experience.
Mr Morello said the Yamato Drummers also performed on the Helpmann stage and wowed the audience with their skill and intensity.
This year marks Yamato’s 25th anniversary, celebrating more than 3700 performances in 54 countries and reaching more than seven million fans.
The talented musicians present a thrilling and explosive interpretation of the Taiko tradition.
