Cheetaland

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 with "Cheetaland". This follows the tour of his internationally award-winning collaboration "Kemono Michi" with classically trained ballerina lori Tadokoro in their performance fusing the tranquility and power of the forest with the uniquely Japanese aesthetic concept of "Ma" (negative space).

As well as a path trodden by animals in the wild, Kemono Michi means to choose a different way of life.From "Kemono Michi," a work born from the forest experience that forms the concept of the piece, a new imaginative world called "Cheetaland" is born.

Let the sound of the Japanese drums lead you on a new journey.

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 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.

Cheetaland has been made possible thanks to funding from the Japan Foundation.

Supporting acts will be Yamabiko [https://www.leicestertaiko.com/yamabiko] from Leicester Taiko, and Konjaku Daiko [https://www.taikowest.com/] from Taiko West.