In the last few years Breakin’ Convention has been increasing their commitment to the development of hip hop theatre as a genre and in particular the support of UK-based companies. Through their education and professional development strands they aim to offer a range of opportunities and platforms as well as connecting companies with Arts Council England, other funding bodies and arts organisations.
One of our courses is Open Art Surgery, a unique intensive masterminded by Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director and hip hop theatre pioneer, Jonzi D for professional hip hop artists to engage and understand hip hop theatre better. Open to dancers, DJs, beatboxers, emcees, musicians and graffiti artists, participants receive training, mentorship and studio space to experiment and create new works in progress. This culminates in the Open Art Surgery performance at the end of the week where the results are shared to a live audience who are then invited to critique, question and feedback to the artists.
Birmingham Hippodrome continues their dedication to supporting hip hop by partnering Breakin’ Convention to deliver Birmingham’s first ever Open Art Surgery in July. Jonzi will be joined by co-mentor Soweto Kinch and will feature local artists including Mad Flow, Marso Riviere, NeneTaps (MDK), Marius and Andrei (MDK), DJ Psykhomantus, RTKAL and Sticky Toffee.
The live event will be hosted by Jonzi D alongside Birmingham’s award winning jazz musician Soweto Kinch as they introduce the fresh new work developed during the week. Expect to see the very best in breaking, popping, locking, rapping and turntablism chewed up and given a theatrical overhaul. Birmingham Hippodrome and Breakin’ Convention’s commitment to offering high quality theatre at an affordable price is evident in the £5 ticket price.
The Open Art Surgery performance takes place on Saturday 20 July 2013, 7.45pm at Patrick Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5, 4TB.
Tickets are available from the Hippodrome’s website.
Forgive me for not regurgetating this copy from Breakin Convention.
