I went mainly because it sounded like it might be interesting - hip hop theatre? That's something new. You don't often see popping and locking in such classy, formal settings. I had to see it for myself.
Pre-performance entertainment occured in the foyer, and included an open stage for local breakdancers to show off their moves. Really entertaining, especially after boys in the audience as young as 8 or 9 joined in the fun!
Presenting El Diaz - one of the break-dancers entertaining the floor before the show started. He's really fit.
Performer and emcee Tony Thrills taking the stage just before the show started proper. He's really good. 
A kid getting in on the action. He couldn't have been older than 11!The show started promptly at 7.30pm, and was emceed by artistic director, Jonzi D and one of the performers, Tony Thrills of Random Aspekts. Overall impressions of the show: wasn't impressed with a couple of the acts, but was totally and stupendously floored by some. Ultimately however, the stereotypes I had involving baggy man-shirts and flashy bling were completely smashed and I came out with a greater appreciation of how versatile hip hop as a dance form can be.
Even if I didn't like all the performances, I have to say it was a very carefully chosen line-up which demonstrated a great diversity of styles. The local act which stood out was Random Aspekts, and its highly entertaining and equally charged dance narrative which was an instant crowd-pleaser. Sin Cru delivered a rather confusing but nevertheless, bold experimental attempt to marry hip hop with modern/contemporary dance and live dialogue - it was hip hop gone avant-garde, and judging by the giggles from the audience, not everyone 'got it' (have to admit, I was a bit at sea too). Nevertheless, Sin Cru received very loud applause at the end. I did not expect to see acts interpreting hip hop as a 'serious' art form, so this was certainly very novel.
The surprises continued as the international acts dominated the second half of the performance. I was a little disappointed with the group from the States, however the other two made the 13 pound ticket worth it.
Salah from France is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. His performance was essentially a combination of stand-up comedy, mime and dance, which drew both laughter and gasps of amazement from the audience. He adopts a persona called 'Gluby' for his performance - some kind of child who talks in a high-pitched voice and banters with the audience. It's highly amusing, but also serves to heighten the impact (or shock) when he suddenly breaks out into dance at various parts of his comic routine.
This is an excerpt from my favourite part of his performance: he's dancing with a tissue (seriously). And no, the video was not sped up at certain parts - he really has incredible movement and body control.
The other big highlight of the night was MyoSung, a troop of dancers all the way from South Korea. Theirs was the longest performance, but was the most impressive in my opinion. The choreography was tight and top-notch - imagine break-dancing infused with elements of ballet and Irish river-dancing, set against a soundtrack which includes John Lenon's "Imagine" and a string-plucked version of Pachelbel's Canon. It was sheer eclectic brilliance, and the dancing itself was phenomenal - hats off to the lads from South Korea! They got a well-deserved standing ovation.
Here's just a small sample of their opening dance - incidently, the Kim Il Jung lookalike (complete with bad hair) in the clip is Mr Zino Seol, their choreographer.
A fantastic evening of entertainment, and one which really showed me the breadth and range of Hip hop onstage. Kudos to Breakin' Convention for really...well...breaking conventions.
Jeanne, i've just stumbled across your blog by accident.
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in Edinburgh for most of my life, it's fascinating to read your observations of the city.
Keep up the blogging cos it's great stuff.
Hey naldo, thanks for your comments! :)
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