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This energetic and engaging hip hop-infused rendition of Shakespeare’s classic centres the drama in the community of South London and in doing so makes it fiercely relevant to all audiences. Summary
Rating
Excellent
Fresh from their recent Offies Awards success with their last production, Pied Piper, Beats & Elements are now transforming the Polka Theatre with their hip hop version of Romeo & Juliet. Aimed at a younger audience (8 – 12+) it is a thoroughly engaging show with all the core elements of the Shakespearean original, albeit with a few less characters and a lot more rap.
The set is made of a series of metal structures that form the outline of a house when put together, each with a sign that is highlighted when appropriate: Capulet or Montague, helpfully reminding the audience who owns the action at any point. At the beginning, the actors split the audience in half to reflect this community division. Each side is given a chant and an action and the division between the two is complete: structurally simple but clear, the audience reminded of this separation of community.
Obviously, to fit the performance into one hour an amount of text is cut, but the narrative remains true to the original and follows the trajectory of the fated attraction of Romeo and Juliet, but this time in that well known glamorous hot spot of Merton. Conrad Murray, co-creator and performer, was born and raised here, admitting to only just moving away (although he’s only got as far as Croydon, so he’s hardly abandoned South London…). He reminisces that his first theatre visit was to the Polka Theatre in the company of his social worker. Clearly a special place to him, it’s fitting that he returns for this location-relevant retelling of one of the most famous doomed romances of all time. A neat device, not only does this allow a connection with the audience, and a certain amount of local humour, it firmly positions the story of two warring tribes in contemporary London, where mixed-race communities and gang warfare is understood. More than that, Romeo and Juliet, with its themes of prejudice and identity crisis, toxic family control and young personalities striving to understand themselves, becomes fiercely relevant when positioned in this way. These subjects are dealt with in an age-appropriate manner, but also such that each age group watching will assimilate what is relevant to them.
Despite the modern slant, some original Shakespearean text is used. Repeated and accompanied by actions that ensure the meaning is clear, the adherence to the original is a credit to the writing. Just four actors are on stage: Murray plays all the Capulets with the exception of Juliet, and Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens all the Montagues with the exception of Romeo. It is a reflection on the strength of both actors and the writing that, with minimal costume and prop changes, it is never confusing as to which character is speaking.
Throughout, the music is delivered by Murray on guitar and the constant beat of the beat box rhythm rapped by each actor seamlessly weaving in and out of dialogue. Khai Shaw is an accomplished Romeo, simultaneously confident whilst touchingly self-doubting, although best performance has to go to Kate Donnachie as Juliet: vocally outstanding she lithely climbs the set/balcony whilst singing and dancing. Immediately establishing a rapport with the audience when teaching us to dance, her performance is a joy.
It should be no surprise, but Murray and his collaborators have once again created a piece of genre-bending musical theatre that works across all communities, bringing seemingly highbrow Shakespearean text and plot to the audience that it was always meant for. And despite the age guidance, I think this is a performance that speaks to all generations.
Created by: Beats & Elements (Conrad Murray and Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens)
Set and Costume Design by: Erin C. Guan
Sound Design by: Simon Beyer
Lighting Design by: Jonathan Chan
Movement Direction by: Jonzi D and Simeon Qsyea
Produced by: Polka Theatre
Romeo & Juliet plays at Polka Theatre until 14 april. Further information and bookings can be found here.
