Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Weir.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a Korean adoptee raised in North Dakota, I grew up with no reference for Asian American culture, community, or identity. I found a new family and a new sense of pride and belonging. An aspiring actor, I found my way to Minneapolis and Theater Mu. Mu allowed me to grow as an artist, see myself reflected on stage, and, most importantly, connect with other Asian American artists.
Skip ahead a few years where I am watching Rick Shiomi play taiko at a Mu event. He performs a short excerpt of “Matsuri” on a single taiko drum. Mind blown. I’d never heard or seen anything like it before, never knew it even existed. Taiko quickly replaced acting as my main passion, and I evolved from an eager taiko student to a performer, teacher, composer, and leader.
Taiko allows me to become a bigger, better version of myself. It integrates my mind, body, and spirit. It allows me to embody strength and grace and to claim and celebrate my “Asian-ness.” Taiko has brought into my life the people I hold most dear and give me a chance to become someone I didn’t know I wanted to be.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always struggles along any artistic path. My struggle is always with balance. I am trying to find the energy to balance work, creative artistic life, family life, and personal well-being. Interestingly I’ve listed these in the opposite way of how I “think” should prioritize them as a queer person of color, there are always challenges in finding resources, space to claim your voice or seat at the table, and even the space to fail.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Executive Director and founder of TaikoArts Midwest, the Artistic Director of Enso Daiko, and the Producer of Finding Her Beat, a full-length documentary film. I also am a Director and Dramaturg for Theater, primarily with Theater Mu and Asian American Theater company.
Taiko is the Japanese word for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and Kumi Daiko (in North America) are movement-infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group drumming. Think of it as high-energy performance art that combines music, dance, martial arts, athletics, and culture.
I’m proud of building an organization that promotes artistic excellence in taiko arts here in MN. There are so many amazing artists I collaborate with and promote. I love introducing audiences to the energizing, empowering, and healing qualities of taiko drumming. I love being able to support Asian American artists to be role models, creators, and leaders. I love that taiko is the antidote for Model Minority Asian stereotypes as it allows us to be rowdy, loud, powerful, and demand attention.
I’m most excited about a full-length documentary film I produced with local award-winning directors Keri Pickett and Dawn Mikkelson. It is the first film to center on women’s stories and experiences in taiko, when traditionally only men were allowed to play. It is a celebration of resilience and artistic vision. We premiere the film this fall, and I’m so excited for audiences to see it. I hope it inspires the next generation of taiko players! My genuine enthusiasm and interest in other people’s potential set me apart from others. I love bringing talented people into a room together and letting them create, play, and grow. I feel I am less interested in my career and more about what I can help make support or produce that will help our community grow.
What do you think about luck?
I’m an adoptee, so right from the start, I have felt myself to be very lucky. Not lucky to be abandoned and shipped to another country, but fortunate that I landed in a very loving home and found amazing friends and mentors along the way. I’m lucky to have a circle of friends who inspire me daily. I’m lucky to have a beautiful wife and daughter, and I’m lucky that so far, my big gambles in life have paid off. I produced and directed my largest project ever, HERbeat, and we sold out 6 school shows and 1 public concert at the Ordway mainstage, all just days before the Pandemic shut everything down. There was a bit of luck in that, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taikoartsmidwest.org
- Instagram: @taikoarts
- Facebook: @taikoarts
Image Credits
Dan Norman Rich Ryan
