Drumstruck, billed as the world's first interactive drum theater experience,[1] is an interactive play created by South African entrepreneur Warren Lieberman. The play is based on the corporate team building performance group Drum Cafe which brought together companies through playing the djembe[2] Drumstuck originated in South Africa, it toured China, Australia before coming to New York City in 2005.[3]
Drumstruck played 40 previews and 607 regular shows from May 2005 to November 2006[4] to sold out audiences at Dodger Stages. It took its audiences on a journey through South Africa through drums, gumboot dancing, zulu dancing and song.[5] Each audience member was provided with their own djembe and played and sang along with the show,[6] representing the sharing of music present in African music.[7] The show also featured eleven South African performers dressed in traditional clothing including: Tiny Modise, Africa Djane, Ayanda, Sebone Rangata, Enoch Mahlangu, Richard Carter, Molutsi Mogami, Ronald Medupe, Nomvula Gerashe, Sponch Mogapi, Simon Letsoela and one American performer LeeAnet Noble.
Drumstruck was premiered in Japan in 2008.