Chi Udaka

Last night we were transported to India, by way of Japan, at Riverside Theatre's opening night of Chi Udaka in Parramatta. Classical Indian dance and costume dissolves into traditional taiko drumming in this cross-cultural performance that is very rarely seen in mainstream Australian contemporary theatre. Taikoz is a group specialising in the performance of taiko drumming, a practice with deep roots in Korea and China. The group's rhythmic core is harnessed by Riley Lee's haunting and masterful shakuhachi playing — Lee trained in the instrument in Japan and is a formidable force both globally and within the Australian music community. The Lingalayam Dance Company is an independent academy devoted to the survival and preservation of classical Indian dance forms, specialising in Bharatha Natyam and Kuchipudi forms.

It is so disappointing that Taikoz has, as of this month, lost the entirety of its funding by the federal government, meaning that as of 2017, the troupe will not receive support to practice, perform, or develop new work. Whether or not groups like Taikoz and Lingalayam are your cup of tea, their existence is essential to Sydney's status as a global city. Apart from the obvious economic benefits and tourist dollars, artistic forms that have their roots in Australia's minority cultures offer creative cross-pollination to all levels of our society — and will be sorely missed.