Like the fist shaking old man yelling at kids to get out of its yard, many older arts patrons refuse to accept
hip hop as an equal. Given the genre's penchant for misogyny and celebration of all things thug, I can't say that I blame them.
Two current plays, however, make strategic uses of hip hop elements to enhance the power of their stories. Although each uses distinctly different components, in combination they demonstrate the positive and powerful side of this evolving art form.
iPod earbuds appear permanently attached to the high school student featured in Rajiv Joseph's Animals Out Of Paper (SF Playhouse, directed by the awesome Amy Glazer). He wears his pants low and can't let a sentence go by without a "yo". His ever looping playlist gives him a mastery of his frantic teenage energy and an armor for girding himself against hurts that aren't initially revealed. Given his love for layering and complexity in music, it's not surprising that he gravitates to the principal art form of the play--origami.
As he dances and raps through the origami filled set (including a gorgeous mango color dress!), the apprentice becomes the teacher as he expounds on the structure and forms of all things hip hop. Although his teacher doesn't immediately start laying down rhymes, she's moved by his passion and her interest (and ours) are definitely piqued.
In Tim Barky's Bright River (directed by Jessica Heidt, another SF gem!), elements of hip hop's musicality and improvisation are key elements of the backdrop. Beatboxing is described most simply as the vocal simulation of percussive sounds and feels like the equivalent of found objects in visual arts.
Two current plays, however, make strategic uses of hip hop elements to enhance the power of their stories. Although each uses distinctly different components, in combination they demonstrate the positive and powerful side of this evolving art form.
iPod earbuds appear permanently attached to the high school student featured in Rajiv Joseph's Animals Out Of Paper (SF Playhouse, directed by the awesome Amy Glazer). He wears his pants low and can't let a sentence go by without a "yo". His ever looping playlist gives him a mastery of his frantic teenage energy and an armor for girding himself against hurts that aren't initially revealed. Given his love for layering and complexity in music, it's not surprising that he gravitates to the principal art form of the play--origami.
As he dances and raps through the origami filled set (including a gorgeous mango color dress!), the apprentice becomes the teacher as he expounds on the structure and forms of all things hip hop. Although his teacher doesn't immediately start laying down rhymes, she's moved by his passion and her interest (and ours) are definitely piqued.
Especially when it's done to perfection solo by Carlos Aguirre and on the flute by the rediculously talented Barsky. Their range and creativity lend a refreshing antidote to an Avatar extreme special effects world.
Looping is another technique that cellist Alex Kelly takes to orgasmic heights mid-show. Percussionist and keyboardist Kevin Carnes ices the cake--Bright River is a sublime experience that will stick in your consciousness for a long time.
If you're trying to decide what to see this weekend, toss the reviews and pick either or both of these shows. You're guaranteed two outstanding performances with sides of education and cutting edge cool.
**1/2 price tix available using the links above**
Comments