As Brighton Fringe gears up for 2016, Broadway Baby offers a preview of the shows, the people and the world that is Brighton Fringe. We’ve been speaking to participants from around the Fringe and asked them to give us an insight into their shows.
We’re going to recreate the electric and unpredictable atmosphere of a live battle rap event and combine it with compelling theatrical storytelling.
Name Kevin Williams
Show BODIED
Tell us a bit about yourself
We are Raise Dark Theatre, BODIED will be our 3rd production following THE SWEETHEARTS at the Finborough last year. We are a new writing company with a special interest in making theatre aimed at less traditional audiences.
Can you tell us a little bit about your show, what can we expect?
BODIED is a piece of theatre has taken us into the remarkable world of “battle rap”. Based on interviews with the UK's top battle rappers - from the care worker who became UK champion to the mathematician who took the scene by storm - our show examines the fascinating real life stories of those who step into the pit. The show will also feature real, live rap battles – starring genuine top battle MCs - unique to the performance each night!
Why did you decide to perform your show at the Brighton Fringe?
We did part of the show for a scratch night at the Battersea Arts Centre to test out our ideas, the feedback was fantastic so we developed it into a full production! Brighton has a buzzing hip hop scene and a great theatre scene so it seemed the perfect place for our show to start.
Hip hop theatre has existed for a while but by staging a genuine rap battle featuring non-actor MCs, in the middle of a scripted show, we’ll be doing something we’re pretty sure has never been done before, in quite the same way. It will be unpredictable! I think Brighton Fringe audiences will like that.
What makes your show different?
You get two experiences in one. We’re going to recreate the electric and unpredictable atmosphere of a live battle rap event and combine it with compelling theatrical storytelling. You’ll get all the buzz and inherent drama of the clash, while getting an insight into the psychology behind it and the personalities that make the scene what it is.
Who would enjoy seeing your show?
Someone once said “ I feel like battle rap is something everyone has always been into but they just don’t know it yet”. People will enjoy our show who perhaps have always been fascinated by the art form but perceived it as inaccessible. A lot will surprise you if you’re unfamiliar with it as it’s home to some of the best lyricists/wordsmiths in the country.
What has been the best advice you have been given?
"Don't be an idiot. Whenever I'm about to do something I think 'would an idiot do that?'. If they would, I do not do that thing."
What show, apart from yours, would you recommend at the Brighton Fringe and why?
Bane 4. I’ve been a huge fan of Joe Bone’s Bane shows for years and he’s finally doing another one! It’s a one man film noir parody with lots of funny wordplay, which sits very well with us!
What do you think audiences will enjoy the most about your show?
Getting to jump into a world they might have otherwise never had the chance to experience, and maybe discover a new obsession!
BODIED is appearing at The Warren: Theatre Box, 3-4 Jun 22:00 2, 5 Jun 22:00
