Drum Tao comes to the Carolina Theatre on February 12, 2026

Tickets On Sale Now

DURHAM, NC — October 16, 2025 — Drum Tao will bring their phenomenal performance featuring traditional Japanese “Wadaiko-drums” to the Carolina Theatre of Durham on February 12, 2026. Tickets are now on sale at the venue’s box office and online at www.carolinatheatre.org.

Established in 1993 with the dream of creating the best show in the world using “Wadaiko (Japanese Drums),” the instrument which has a very rare and unique variety of sound expressions, Drum Tao set their base at Oita, Japan and started creating their own music, stage set-ups, and costumes to produce their one and only world of entertainment. Many talented artists and staff gathered to join this creation from all over the world.

More than 10 million spectators have been touched across the world by Drum Tao’s performances. Drum Tao’s stage is created through performances and expressions consisting of incomparable “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. It is the “Japanese Entertainment” for a new generation that completely surpasses expectations.

In 2016, their Off-Broadway shows in New York were completely sold out, and an article in Newsweek stated, “The highly acclaimed debut of Drum Tao in Broadway will represent not only Japanese entertainment but Japan itself.” In 2017, their long-running production, “MANGEKYO,” started in Tokyo and performed around 500 shows throughout the year. In 2018, they performed in the opening ceremony of “Japonism 2018” in Paris, France. In 2020, they opened their new permanent outdoor theatre called “TAO no Oka,” found amongst the magnificent views in the heart of Aso Kuju National Park. In a recent project “CLUB TAO,” which started in 2022, performances have been held in Tokyo and Osaka and appeared in the most popular nightclubs.

Drum Tao has also co-starred with the Bolshoi Ballet as the opening act of “Japan Year in Russia” held at The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia, in front of the head of each country, and they have received the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award, Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner’s Award, Outstanding Cultural Achievement Award by Oita Prefecture, and Taketa City Cultural Creation Award.

Currently, they perform 700 shows yearly as three teams.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.carolinatheatre.org.

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. The Carolina Theatre of Durham is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. Visit carolinatheatre.org for more information. 

Contact: Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
(919) 560-3040 | hanna@carolinatheatre.org