You are here > COME LIME HOME > Your Essential Guide to Cultural London > Reviews >May '10
Lime theatre review
Markus the Sadist, Bloomsbury Theatre
Words: Havana Wellings-Longmore
Hip hop has changed dramatically over the last decade and is practically unrecognisable from the days of its conception in the 80s. Markus the Sadist is the story of how mass manipulation and exploitation has stolen the intelligence and soul of hip hop. Jonzi D Productions returns to the Bloomsbury Theatre with last year's hip hop comedy smash, with the full original cast including Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas.
In the UK, hip hop here is still hugely influenced by the US, artists and music are criticized for trying too hard to appeal to mainstream audiences. Jonzi D parodies this in a brilliant script which is written and performed entirely in rap form. Bashy, stars as Markus, a young, talented rapper with a buzz about him locally. Markus's career hangs in the balance when he is tempted to drop his wise and witty lyrics for Bling and flash cars by a money hungry, untrustworthy A&R agent played by Nolan Weekes. Turning his back on his friends and family, Markus is taken on a whirlwind journey that costs him his self-respect and freedom.
If you enjoy hip hopm Markus the Sadist is a multi-media theatrical treat, with music composed by the talented Soweto Kinch, pre-recorded film clips, and an ever changing set. The show did experience some technical faults which the actor's adlibs hilariously covered.
Jonzi D has created an excellent environment for participation and interaction from the audience. The young audience was fully engaged with the call and response moments, I think I was responding the loudest though. The production is not suitable for adult audiences who may wish to attend without a young adult in tow, as slang translations may be required. It could also be deemed cruel and unusual punishment not to take someone under 25 to enjoy hip hop theatre at its best.
Lime magazine interview with Jonzi-D
Markus the Sadist was at the Bloomsbury Theatre from 17-20 May, 2010
Afridiziak Theatre News interview with Bashy
Afridiziak Theatre News interview with Jonzi-D
Afridiziak Theatre News review of Markus the Sadist, 2009
Markus the Sadist, Bloomsbury Theatre
Words: Havana Wellings-Longmore
Hip hop has changed dramatically over the last decade and is practically unrecognisable from the days of its conception in the 80s. Markus the Sadist is the story of how mass manipulation and exploitation has stolen the intelligence and soul of hip hop. Jonzi D Productions returns to the Bloomsbury Theatre with last year's hip hop comedy smash, with the full original cast including Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas. In the UK, hip hop here is still hugely influenced by the US, artists and music are criticized for trying too hard to appeal to mainstream audiences. Jonzi D parodies this in a brilliant script which is written and performed entirely in rap form. Bashy, stars as Markus, a young, talented rapper with a buzz about him locally. Markus's career hangs in the balance when he is tempted to drop his wise and witty lyrics for Bling and flash cars by a money hungry, untrustworthy A&R agent played by Nolan Weekes. Turning his back on his friends and family, Markus is taken on a whirlwind journey that costs him his self-respect and freedom.
If you enjoy hip hopm Markus the Sadist is a multi-media theatrical treat, with music composed by the talented Soweto Kinch, pre-recorded film clips, and an ever changing set. The show did experience some technical faults which the actor's adlibs hilariously covered.
Jonzi D has created an excellent environment for participation and interaction from the audience. The young audience was fully engaged with the call and response moments, I think I was responding the loudest though. The production is not suitable for adult audiences who may wish to attend without a young adult in tow, as slang translations may be required. It could also be deemed cruel and unusual punishment not to take someone under 25 to enjoy hip hop theatre at its best.
Lime magazine interview with Jonzi-D
Markus the Sadist was at the Bloomsbury Theatre from 17-20 May, 2010
Afridiziak Theatre News interview with Bashy
Afridiziak Theatre News interview with Jonzi-D
Afridiziak Theatre News review of Markus the Sadist, 2009