Monday 20 August 2012

Contact Theatre & Maxwell Golden - CountryBoy's Struggle. Pleasance Courtyard 15/8/12. Review by Esther @ Highlights

This solo show looks at very familiar, identifiable themes – coming of age, search for identity and belonging – through the personal journey of an aspiring hip hop MC who moves from his Cornish community to London to pursue his dreams. Taking us with him, we are introduced to his childhood, friends, family woes and his struggle with both his father and the harsh side of city life - Not what he thought.

The show has a nice energy and pace and is peppered with an assortment of great characters, poetic rap lyrics, comedy and a very physical performance by Maxwell Gordon. There are also some quite touching moments when he is reunited with his father.

A love and knowledge of rap culture helps, but is not necessary to enjoy this show or to appreciate the talents of Maxwell Gordon. The show is directed by the American hip-hop artist Baba Israel for Manchester’s Contact Theatre, and is a good way to introduce a culture that is perhaps alien to many rural and older communities.

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