Hip hop theatre

From ArticleWorld

There are different types of theatrical representations and hip-hop theatre is just that. Although it is not that well known in Europe, in the USA it has been even influencing people take important decisions in their life. It can be characterized as a combination between the hip hop culture and the theatrical art, united with a purpose.

Elements

Hip Hop theatre is linked with the musical genre so it is normal that it includes the 4 elements that characterize it:

• Breakdance or b-boying
• Deejaying
• Emceeing (which means rapping, singing)
• Graffiti

These are included in most shows although there is the possibility to see one performance that will lack one or more of these elements. The one thing that is characteristic and remains the same is that this type of theatre will focus on hip hop culture rather than on acting techniques.

Development

Over the last decade we have seen a constant increase in hip hop theatre performances. This is because of two main reasons. First of all it addresses a special audience. In most cases the shows will aim to teach children that are growing up around violence some valuable things in life. Because of this there are even Hip Hop Theatre festivals that are very important in this subdivision of theatre. One of them is the “Hip Hop Theatre Festival”, which has been promoted and started by Danny Hoch, He is a very well known director, play writer and hip hop performer. What is really important is that the genre is becoming more and more popular and many people are inspired by hip hop theatre shows. The possibility to watch people perform and act while singing on rap beats is catchy and as we all know, most people and especially children will always listen more to music rather than words.