Fri, Dec 16 & 17 7:30pm Director Tatsu Aoki conceived Reduction as a creative response going against the norm of popular taiko drumming. Recent generations have embraced ensemble taiko (kumi-daiko) performance, characterized by spectacle, with drums played hard and fast, using multiple rhythmic and pattern-oriented movements. In contrast, Aoki chooses to explore more nuanced taiko incorporating other Japanese art forms. The essential distinction is about musicality. Reduction argues for upholding the beauty of taiko performance, and for its connectivity to aesthetics. Reduction 4 features the North American debut of Sennosuke Wakatsuki, a young Kabuki artist from Tokyo, who is revolutionizing the form. And includes performances by jazz greats Hamid Drake, Michael Zerang, Nicole Mitchell, and electronics composer Jonathan Chen. Additional standout artists include Grandmaster Shunojo Fujima performing nihonbuyo (Japanese classical dance), and contemporary dancer Ayako Kato. At MCA’s Edlis Neeson Theater, 220 East Chicago Ave. Buy tickets online: www.mcachicago.org/performances or call the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010 MCA members $16 Nonmembers $20 Students $10