MEDIA RELEASE

International Hip Hop Theatre Project Shakes Up Sydney

Released 3 August 2009

Information and Cultural Exchange
PO Box 4033 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia
T: +61(2) 9897 5744 / F: +61(2) 9897 5766

Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) is pleased to announce, East London West Sydney, a major hip hop theatre project crossing language and cultural barriers while blending spoken word, drama, music and movement in a celebration of urban culture.

With one of the UK’s leading and most recognised hip hop theatre figures Jonzi D at the helm as Director, East London West Sydney, which began with an innovative online collaboration, is now gearing up for an intensive artist residency at ICE in Parramatta.

Over the next four weeks, seven of London’s and Sydney’s established hip hop stars, including BrothaBlack, MC Trey, SistaNative, Omar Musa, Farid Farid, Maxwell Golden and Sarah Sayeed, will embark on the project’s creative development phase, exchanging ideas and pushing the boundaries of hip hop theatre experience. This will culminate in an industry showcase on Tuesday 18 August.

Lena Nahlous, Director of ICE and SWITCH, said:

“We are very excited about the East London West Sydney project, particularly for the potential it has to challenge expectations and stereotypes about hip hop culture while presenting new forms of storytelling within the hip hop genre.”

“Set against the backdrop of captivating visuals from the regions where the artists originate, East London West Sydney will stimulate the senses in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual mix-up of lyrical and visual talent, bursting with creativity, passion and energy,” she continued.

Made possible by a partnership between ICE and the British Council, East London West Sydney will explore themes relating to the urban experience, every-day struggles, identity and the individual’s place in society. Focusing on word flow, storytelling and movement, the performance will also be inspired by the personal experiences of each of the artists who represent a range of different cultural backgrounds.

Rebecca Matthews, Director of the British Council, said:

“For the British Council, East London West Sydney marks the continuation of ongoing fruitful collaboration with ICE. The project reflects our commitment to driving new creative collaborations between emerging UK and Australian artists, developing the next generation of cultural leaders and diverse communities as they respond creatively to the forces and impacts of urban change,” said Rebecca Matthews, Director of the British Council.

Potential local and international sponsors, presenting partners and community members will be invited to the showcase on 18 August at Thom Mann Theatre in Surry Hills.

Following, the artists will work towards the major production and performance season set to take place in early 2010.

Supporters and partners of the East London West Sydney project include: ICE, the British Council, NSW Film and Television Office (FTO), SWITCH, Parramatta City Council, Australia Council and Arts NSW.

For further information, images or to arrange an interview opportunity, please contact:
Katy Denis
East London West Sydney Publicist
M: 0414 388 879
E: kt@ktgcreative.com.au

 

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