Directed and written by Sue Buckmaster and Keith Saha puppet design by Sue Buckmaster, Paul Vincett of Stitches and Glue and Matt Hutchinson
music by Hobbit and Elektric, set design by Miriam Nabarro, lighting design by Douglas Kuhrt
20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites join forces to create a unique mash up of hip-hop, theatre and puppetry, bringing together four acclaimed artists beat-boxer Hobbit, b-boy Ryan LoGisTic Harston, singer/poet Elektric and puppeteer Mohsen Nouri to form The Broke ‘n’ Beat Collective.
The Broke ‘n’ Beat Collective takes the form of a live gig. Gritty, moving and funny, it combines gripping tales, transfixing poetry, hip-hop, and is animated with imaginative puppetry, to explore the hardships faced by young people in the UK in the 21st century.
Sue Buckmaster (Artistic Director, Theatre-Rites) and Keith Saha (co-Artistic Director, 20 Stories High), co-directors/writers:
‘These four stunning artists have come together with us to hear first- hand what young people in our communities face, from feeling invisible to feeling pressured, from harming themselves to the harm inflicted on them by others. Theatre-Rites and 20 Stories High are committed to telling these stories in an exciting, relevant way and, as well as opening up a dialogue about their concerns, we hope that the evening is ultimately filled with hope and energy.’
Renowned as one of the UK’s leading children’s theatre companies, Theatre-Rites brings its cross- artform expertise to a show for an older age group for the first time, in collaboration with 20 Stories High, celebrated for its excellent work with and for young adults, which marks its tenth birthday during 2016. The Broke ‘n’ Beat Collective tour includes post-show jams, workshops and events across the country.
The Broke ‘n’ Beat Collective is at Contact, Manchester on Tue 23 & Wed 24 February. Tickets are available from contactmcr.com or by calling 0161 274 0600.
