Marc Bamuthi Joseph Performance

Marc Bamuthi Joseph the break/s “…sharp, elegant, and always urgent verse that harnesses the grit and boogie-down power of hip-hop as well as the singular beauty and sophistication of contemporary dance.” -SF Bay Guardian

YBCA has long been committed to supporting the work of electrifying storyteller Marc Bamuthi Joseph. For our season finale, we’re proud to present the break/s, Joseph’s multimedia journey through verse, contemporary dance and video that interweaves his personal story with the history of hip-hop. Inspired by Can’t Stop Won’t Stop by Jeff Chang, the critically acclaimed book about hip-hop music history, Joseph explores trans-nationalism and globalization in relation to hip-hop culture, and digs into the politics surrounding the creation myth of this provocative music form. With two turntables, live feed, a digital video jockey and a spoken-word virtuoso, the break/s is one gigantic live mix. Featuring collaborations with Chay Yew, Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, Brian Freeman and Danny Hoch.

Commissioning funds for the creation of the break/s is made possible in part by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. This project is also made possible in part by a grant from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters Ensemble Theatre Collaboration Grant Program, a component of the Doris Duke Foundation Theatre Initiative.

June 19–21, 2008 at 8.00 pm.