PRAx Presents: AXIS Dance Company and enTaiko
"Kazuyo Ito and enTaiko are exceptional taiko artists whose work is deeply rooted in tradition while boldly expanding the art form through innovation. Her playing reflects both mastery and a forward-looking artistic vision.” — Yuko Ishikura, Artistic Director, Matsuriza Japanese Traditional Taiko Drummers
“There is no more defiant a land that I can think of than AXIS. They showed me what dance could be.” — Bill T. Jones, Choreographer and MacArthur Fellow
With a shared commitment to bold creative exploration where human potential is not limited by disability, this dynamic collaboration between Berkeley-based AXIS Dance Company and Portland-based enTaiko will be the world premiere of a new work for six dancers and three taiko drummers. Featuring choreography by AXIS Artistic Director Nadia Adame and original music by enTaiko Artistic Director Kazuyo Ito, the collaboration brings together two pioneering artists known for creating innovative work that centers disabled, non-disabled, Deaf, and neurodiverse artists.
PRAx gratefully acknowledges the support of President Emeritus Edward J Ray for this program.