Markus the Sadist - A rap opera
PRESS RELEASE
Jonzi D Productions presents
Markus The Sadist
Is it worth sacrificing your voice to be hyped up as the world's realest gangsta rapper?
Markus the Sadist is the dope new Hip Hop Theatre
show from the UKs leading Hip Hop Theatre Company
Jonzi D Productions.
As hip hop culture evolves and continues to court controversy, Jonzi D Productions return with their bold brand new theatre piece Markus The Sadist @ The Drum, Thu 22 – Sat 24 Oct. Markus The Sadist takes a wry look at celebrity within the hip hop ‘industry’ and the manipulative players masterminding urban myths.
Markus Wright – played by rising MC and actor BASHY - is a talented emcee, making his name on the local battle scene. One night he's spotted by a slick A&R from a major who sees Markus's potential as a new addition to the label. He approaches Markus after the battle, bigs up his talent and promises that he can make Markus a major star, touring his music around the world and living the celebrity lifestyle with the cash to match. All Markus has to do is sign the contract.
Markus decides to go for the recording contract. He soon realises that he has to make huge sacrifices. He must rhyme with an American accent, he must have a (fabricated) gang-related history, and he must mention the products of various sponsors. Markus goes along with the plan, knowing that "I can do that!"
After a massive PR campaign, Markus The Sadist's album tops the charts in 30 different countries. He is now a household name. He returns to the hood after an exhausting world tour only to find his friends and family incensed at what he had become. Markus feels lost, embarrassed and exposed as a fraud in the eyes of his nearest and dearest.
The story takes an unexpected turn when at the height of his fame, Markus decides to completely switch his style...
Written and directed by Jonzi D who continues to set a precedent within hip hop theatre and dance, this modern rap fable includes brand new music from MOBO award-winning jazz innovator Soweto Kinch. With a vibrant cast collectively portraying a diverse array of characters, the lead role of Markus comes courtesy of Bashy, a rising UK star and critically acclaimed musician/writer who won Most Inspiring Act at the Urban Music Awards in 2008. With his career in the ascendant, Bashy takes time out of recordings and shows to debut his theatre acting skills and work with Jonzi D Productions on this explosive new work.
- Ends -
MEDIA CONTACT: Katie Reid, Marketing Manager on 0121 333 2421 or e-mail: k.reid@the-drum.org.uk
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Thu – Sat 24 Oct @ 7.30pm
Matinee Sat 24 Oct @ 4.30pm
Ticket Prices: £13 (£9), Matinee All tickets £8
Venue: The Drum 144 Potters Lane Aston Birmingham B6 4UU
Box Office: 0121 333 2444
Online Bookings: www.the-drum.org.uk
FaceBook Drum (West Midlands)
MySpace: thedrumb6
Twitter: the_drum
TOUR SCHEDULE
Throughout October
1st and 2nd artsdepot, North Finchley, London @ 8pm
6th Arc, Stockton-on-Tees @ 7.30pm
8th Playhouse, Nottingham @ 8pm
10th Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead @ 7.30pm
13th Malvern Theatres, Malvern @ 7.30pm
16th – 17th Contact Theatre, Manchester @ 8pm
19th Bloomsbury Theatre, London @ 8pm
22nd – 24th The Drum, Birmingham @ 7.30pm
26th – 27th West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds @ 7.45pm
30th – 31st New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich @ 7.45pm
Notes to Editors:
About The Drum
The Drum is the national centre for Black British culture and arts, dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary art and culture of British African, Asian and Caribbean communities. Through its various initiatives, The Drum continually strives to become a centre of national and international renown firmly rooted within its local community.
The Drum’s ambition is to lead and facilitate the development, celebration, performance and exhibition of the diversity of Black arts and cultures for the benefit of all. It is a place where contemporary Black arts flourish and are enjoyed, nurturing and broadening the appreciation of these arts for audiences and participants from the whole community – Black and White.
About Jonzi D Productions
Jonzi D Productions is a leading hip hop theatre company, established in 2005 and an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells. Artistic Director Jonzi D is one of the most recognised faces of hip hop culture in the UK. His signature company creates and tours original hip hop theatre products and acts as a catalyst for the continuing development of the hip hop theatre genre through wide-ranging outreach programmes, educating and inspiring artists and audiences.
