Third World Bunfight haven’t simply transplanted the play into another landscape; the storyline is tweaked and has evolved into an exploration of the challenges faced by colonial history. The company are well-known for their post-colonialist, avant-garde approach to performance and have won themselves accolades and support for works that address post-colonial Africa and relations with Africa and the West.

Pic: Morne van Zyl and Brett Bailey

This time MacBeth takes place in the Congo against its historic backdrop of multinational double-dealings, ethnic conflict and brutal militia. Refugee performers encounter a trunk containing sheet music of Verdi’s Macbeth and decide to tell the story of their own ravaged and exploited homeland.

The art department draws extensively on Congolese design and it is performed by an ensemble of 12 black opera singers, including Owen Metsileng and Nobulumko Mngxekeza. The performance is conducted by Serbian conductor, Premil Petrovic and the original music is performed by the No Borders Orchestra. It’s only on for a short run (16-20 September) but with its controversial premise, it certain to offer plenty of food for thought.  (Words: Laura Thornley)

For more info visit: www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?id=16225

The post Opening this week… Macbeth: After Verdi, Barbican appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Located in the heart of Hoxton, the event takes place in the Macbeth. It’s not the setting you would expect to host such freestyle battles, but the classic-styled themed pub is more than adequate to deal with the crowd this event is now attracting,  who come from all walks of life, with one common denominator – their love of Hip-Hop. Freestyle cyphers are wedged between intermissions to keep the audience energy up, which helps to add to the already vibrant and positive atmosphere. Audience participation is encouraged too, with MC  for the night Leen asking the crowd to throw random words at the participants to rap about, making it more challenging for them.

All in all, it’s a great night, and if  the performances in the Lyricist Lounge are anything to go by, I see big things in store for the UK underground Hip-Hop scene. (Words: Bunmi Adigun)

The next Lyricist Lounge takes place on March 22nd – for more info,visit www.facebook.com/events/302921526433940

The post Somewhere you should go… Lyricist Lounge appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.