Beats and Elements: A Hip Hop Theatre Trilogy: No Milk for the Foxes; DenMarked; High Rise eState of Mind

This collection of three hip-hop plays by Conrad Murray and his Beats & Elements collaborators explores the inequalities of the UK class system through lyricism, musicality, and dialogue, offering authentic accounts of inner-city life written by working-class Londoners. It includes introductory essays, interviews, and a glossary.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This remarkable collection of three hip-hop plays, penned by the acclaimed theatre-maker Conrad Murray alongside his talented Beats & Elements collaborators Paul Cree, David Bonnick Junior, and Lakeisha Lynch-Stevens, marks the inaugural publication of their critically acclaimed work. The three plays utilize hip-hop as a powerful medium to shed light on the inequalities perpetuated by the UK's class system, weaving together lyricism, musicality, and dialogue to present authentic portrayals of inner-city life, penned by working-class Londoners themselves. Accompanied by two introductory essays, the first provides a specific social and historical context that aids readers in comprehending the plays' themes and messages. The second essay takes a contemporary approach, positioning hip-hop as a vibrant literary form and offering insightful ways to interpret hip-hop texts as works of literature. Furthermore, the collection boasts a foreword by renowned hip-hop theatre practitioner Jonzi D, insightful interviews with the Beats & Elements company, and a comprehensive glossary of words for students and international readers. This comprehensive volume showcases the immense talent and creativity of Conrad Murray and his collaborators, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of hip-hop, theatre, and social commentary.

Weight: 158g
Dimension: 136 x 215 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350270596