It has been months of madness at the SttS headquarter and gosh, am I glad I reserved the evening for Yamato, the drummers of Japan, many weeks ago – this evening is totally worth carving out time! Also, I have not been to the 999 seat strong Peacock Theatre since they once again strengthened their long-term collaboration with Sadler’s Wells, London‘s multi-venue number one institution for temporary dance (whom I still owe a first visit). The merch stall however is almost completely taken by Yamato and all of the t-shirts are very tempting already on arrival.
Yamato was founded in 1993 and has toured 55 (!) countries around the globe since then – I was not wrong about recalling their advertising posters since childhood all over Europe. And indeed, the well-filled auditorium seems to have many revisiting audience members in full anticipation of the next act from the very beginning: Maybe they are looking forward to experience a new cast, maybe the very impressive physicality of the performers – I catch some complimenting whispers about the drummer’s abs but this mid-week gig has thankfully not attracted any hen-dos (here’s an idea for taking out your bride-to-be otaku bestie). Instead, we have an usually high amount of primary school age children amongst us with their families – I highly approve, these very special late evenings with your parent(s) are very rarely quickly forgotten.
We also realise quickly: There will always be a bigger, stronger, deeper drum, a trickier a way to utilise the drumsticks and a faster and funkier way of playing the Japanese three string shamisen – Yamato demonstrate fun, energy and playful competitiveness, often comical, always accessible and not once repetitive.
Beyond drums of all sizes, we enjoy a wonderful wooden flute and a very funny sketch with three cymbals, all almost performed without words but underlined by projections, lights and big, passionate smiles and enthusiasm. Because the octet convinces and hypnotises with energy, humour and collaboration, not one person refuses to join in when asked to drum along with claps and stomps – after all, we are here for the noise!
I spend the interval queuing for the toilets amongst One Piece garments and rainbow hair and while doing so learning there from a lady born and raised in Hokkaido drumming is an absolute staple in the Japanese school curriculum and hence part of everyone growing up there – also because thunder is thought to be created by the drums of thunder god Raijin, chasing away demons. I am also taken back to when I experienced Japanese drums in Tokyo, first at a community autumn parade, then at the Robot Restaurant.
By the end of Yamato’s two hour show, my head feels indeed somewhat cleansed. Definitely more than when we first sat down. At times, I closed my eyes to feel as well as to hear. Have I forgotten for the time on my very recommendable seat and while took a sound bath in noise and vibrations about assignments, emails and voice messages waiting for me to be followed up ? Absolutely yes. Have I gained some human energy back? Well, yes that as well.
While I write these lines, it hails and a thunderous afternoon has been announced. I feel like last night’s action-packed mediation I need to send my thanks to Yamato and to thunder god Raijin: In these mad, busy and very digital times the rawness of the drums has done me very well. Arigatou.
**** out of 5 stars
Yamato resides at London’s Peacock Theatre until 30 May and will afterwards tour through Spain and Germany, Japan, Scandinavia, Poland and the Czech Republic until the end of 2026.
Tickets from £25
Sadie takes the Stage 