Dennis Polkow

As anyone who has spent any time in Japan knows, the Japanese will stand in a perfect line even doing such mundane tasks as waiting for a bus on a busy city street. In Japan, folding paper and sipping tea are high art forms, so it should come as no surprise that a Japanese take on such Western-style shows as "Stomp" and "Riverdance" would be a far more intense and artful experience than their Western counterparts. "Tao" refers to the cosmic principle in and around all things (actually "do," long "o" in Japanese, in use in art forms such as judo, kendo, et al) and also the way that we should carry ourselves, effortlessly and powerfully, as in water, which is calm, serene and gentle, yet enormously powerful (think tsunami, a Japanese word for seismic tidal wave) and can even flatten stones over time. These principles are part of the Japanese ethos and approach to anything and everything, and that spirit pervades this show of extraordinary Japanese drumming and percussion that has taken Japan by storm and is making its North American debut sponsored by Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Global Rhythms.

"Tao" is performed November 23-25 at the Harris Theater, 205 East Randolph, (312)334-7777. $15-$57.

(2007-11-19)

Also by Dennis Polkow

Shadow of Herself
As she makes a grand entrance into an eighth floor conference room up in the Lyric Opera office complex, soprano Deborah Voigt is a mere shadow of her former self, literally. Her sparkling and intense crystal blue eyes and her smooth facial features, which have always been radiant, are more pronounced, her blonde hair down and straddling a more defined head
(2007-11-13)

Dutch Treat
It isn’t very often that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra unveils a piece for the very first time with the composer actually present during the preparations, but on the morning of last week’s world premiere of CSO co-composer-in-residence Mark Anthony Turnage’s "Chicago Remains," Elvis Costello doppelganger Turnage is there in the hall virtually by himself with score in hand as CSO principal conductor Bernard Haitink is about to rehearse the orchestra in a final run-through of the piece before that night’s premiere performance
(2007-10-30)

Tomb, Sweet Tomb
Autumn twilight at Peabody Estate in west suburban Oak Brook casts a bright orange hue across its vast Tudor exterior which contrasts with the blackness of the hill-covered forestry that enshrouds the property
(2007-10-23)

Tip of the Week
If you have any interest in compelling music drama, miss this production at your own peril
(2007-10-16)

Maestro Mason
(2007-10-09)

Tip of the Week
(2007-10-02)

Passionate Chicagoan
(2007-09-25)

Tip of the Week
(2007-09-25)

Soundcheck
(2007-09-18)

Tip of the Week
(2007-09-04)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-21)

Tip of the Week
(2007-07-31)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment