Where’s The Power?: A Rap Opera

An Original, Bold and Energetic Fusion of Rap, Hip-hop and Bollywood Dance and Music

Format

A 60 minute dance theatre production that fuses the street rhythms of rap and hip-hop with South Asian and Bollywood style music and dance, creating a dramatic and powerful blend of physical music theatre.

The production merges some of the features common to both “rap” and “opera”: talk-singing, repeated refrains, like those heard in Baroque opera; and stylised rhythm and dance. Unlike conventional rap, however, the lyrics have no obscenities, swearing or slagging off any group.

Synopsis

In a contemporary and recognisable world of fear and control, archetypal rulers and outsiders confront each other with dynamic physicality and battles of wit. The script explores a constantly changing power structure and ultimately challenges it audience to see power and conflict in a new light.

“A Rap Opera dramatises the potential of both Rulers and Outsiders to stop in the midst of battle and change from demonising each other and, in the process, create a non-violent win/win resolution to their conflict.” Author & Director

Credits

Written by Lee Gershuny with additional lyrics contributed by Paul Joseph.
Directed by Lee Gershuny and Paul Joseph.
Music by Nik Paget-Tomlinson and Niroshini Thambar
Hip-hop choreography by Paul Joseph
Bollywood choreography by Charan Pradhan.
Cast: Umar Ahmed, Clive Andrews, Manu Kurewa and Daljinder Singh for the Edinburgh Fringe production.
[Louise Stewart and Puja Panchkoty substituted for the Scotland tour.]

Nominated for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award for a performance that makes a significant contribution to greater awareness and understanding of human rights issues.

Performances

First performed for Refugee Week in 2004 in Edinburgh with a shorter version performed on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 2005 at the Demarco Roxy Arthouse, Edinburgh.

Toured Scotland in Autumn 2005 to Lochgelly (Fife), Musselburgh, Glasgow, Castle Douglas, Stirling, Castlemilk, Cumbernauld and Peebles.

Audience Responce

“Believable world was created in the conflict over something as trivial as a chair.”

“A wonderful celebration of unity in diversity.”

Gallery

Pictures by Alan McCredie.