Taiko is an art form based on using Japanese drums as a direct form of expression and a transformational tool, connecting to the heartbeat of individuals and communities through the universal language of rhythm and movement. We are taking Taiko to Bethlehem in Palestine, as part of the Bet Lahem Live festival, an event designed to encourage unity and hope in Bethlehem,  and across Palestine and the rest of the Holy Land, where the community is straining and suffering under military occupation. TaikoPeace, Taiko Journey and Bet Lahem Live are uniting to promote peace and leave a legacy of shared values of peace, respect, healing and justice!

                                       

Taiko at Bet Lahem Live

 

                    

Bethlehem is one of the oldest cities in Palestine, which has been under military occupation since 1967 and is now surrounded by a huge concrete wall. Every day events such as moving from town to town or accessing water are restricted and often not permitted. The local community in Bethlehem lives under enormous pressure, and for this reason Bet Lahem Live Festival was launched in 2013 to breathe life back into the community and to promote the lasting peace.

The festival helped revitalise the old city, bringing over 6,000 people together to celebrate the community. This year the Festival is focused on celebrating a positive future for Bethlehem by the themes of Culture, Justice and Faith.  The Festival promotes Bethlehem’s multicultural identity and connection of the city to the rest of the world.  Bet Lahem Live 2014 is free and open to all, irrespective of faith, gender or nationality!

Bet Lahem Live is a Holy Land Trust initiative.

What we are planning to do!

                     

Taiko Journey and TaikoPeace are planning to run a series of workshops in the week before Bet Lahem Live 2014, engaging different segments of the Bethlehem community, including sessions specifically for women and children, so they can share the Taiko experience.  In addition there will be rehearsals with participants willing to commit to a public performance.  There will be two Taiko performances as part of the Festival itself, one by the community trained and rehearsed through the workshops, followed by another by PJ Hirabayashi and Hannah-Jasmine Brunskill in collaboration with a local dance group.

PJ and HJ will work with a piece called 'Ei Ja Nai Ka?' that, translated means “Isn’t it good?” - a series of easy-to-learn, exhilarating and symbolic movements combining dance, voice, and taiko, sharing the spirit of what’s GOOD in life.  This piece, written by PJ Hirabayshi has already proven to transcend cultural boundaries, and will connect participants in Bethlehem with a world-wide community of people working together.

                    

TaikoPeace and Taiko Journey

                                    

TaikoPeace, created by PJ Hirabayashi, is a movement, mindset, and mantra dedicated to unleashing creativity, sparking new connections of co-creativity, and healing the human spirit through the dynamic energy of Taiko drumming. TaikoPeace is inspired by Karen Armstrong’s Charter for Compassion.

                   

Taiko Journey, founded by Hannah-Jasmine Brunskill, works with individuals and partner organisations throughout the UK using Taiko drumming to move dynamically towards individual and group confidence, creativity, well-being and connection.

What we will achieve!

                                         

•   Community engagement, through a shared journey that brings together different members of the community in a shared creative act and expression of peace, in perfect harmony with the Festival.
 
•   Personal expression, transformation and healing, which allows individuals to open up and connect with their core selves, a serious human need in the occupied West Bank.
 
•   Emotional Healing, through creative expression that can be very difficult in certain environments.
 
•   Hope, through international advocacy and participation for Bethlehem.
 
•   Continuity and Development - The legacy of this event will go beyond personal experience; with local craftspeople involved in the building of the drums and the drums being left for the community to use, we hope that there will be a continuation through the practice of Taiko in Palestine.

 

How you can help

Through your support and donations, we aim to raise funds for the following:
Travel, Transport, Accommodation and Food (PJ from San Jose, California, HJ from UK)

Workshops and Performances

Drum Manufacture Locally (NB these will be left as part of the legacy of the Festival)

Local Filming and Editing (NB the media produced will be part of the legacy of the Festival)

                 

 

Other Ways You Can Help!

Please help us promote the work of TaikoPeace, Taiko Journey and Bet Lahem Live! If you can't help financially, spreading the word would be wonderful. The voice of Bethlehem is controlled and subdued, help us get more people to hear about the city and the festival!