Deepest Red

Jonzi D on Breakin' Convention 07

It was four years ago that Jonzi D launched Breakin’ Convention. An international Hip Hop dance festival it was the first of its kind in London. Who knew it would last this long? Certainly not Jonzi – or so he claims.

Four years on and Breakin' Convention 07 is going to be the biggest yet. It will launch, as always over May Bank Holiday weekend at the prestigious Saddler’s Wells Theatre. There will be the usual feast of B-boys, poppers and emcees who are creating work for a new generation of theatre goers. There will be the usual surprises and acts taking Hip Hop places many would never have thought of. But this year Jonzi is taking it to the next level; this year Breakin’ Convention is going on tour. Taking in cities as diverse as Edinburgh and Nottingham; Newcastle and Brighton, prestigious international performers like the Electric Boogaloos will be joined by local acts showing what they can do. I managed to catch up with Jonzi to find out more.

Year four already – I can hardly believe it.
Me neither. It’s been an enjoyable time though to be honest with you even I didn’t know we would make it to here.
It’s not only survived, it’s grown – why do you think that is?
We put bums on seats. Simple.
Not that simple – not everyone could do that.
No, but to be fair, I have over twenty years experience of Hip Hop, as a punter then as an entertainer and maker. I know what we need.
I always knew there was a place for Hip Hop in theatre. It’s just that compared to radio, clubbin’ or other forms of entertainment, there was a lack of reflection in theatre, so they trailed behind.
I see you have programmed quite a lot of stuff for young people..
Not just for young people. It’s more about education about Hip Hop for all people. It’s open to all. Yeah we get a lot of people in their early twenties, but we also get older people wanting to relight that old Hip Hop flava.
Tell us some highlights to look out for.
There’s Compagnie Revolution from France. As a group they’ve been with us before, this year we have a lone dancer. The act is erotic, and sexy, not in an MTV way though, it’s more arty than that. There is Salah also from France, who is one of the best dance performers on the planet. The Electric Boogaloos will be with us again, they’re gonna be performing a tribute to a fallen soldier. Skeeter Rabbit, a founder member sadly died last year. And I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the Spartanic Rockers from Japan. They’ve go an old skool with really clever choreography. And from here there is Kenrick "H20" Sandy-
Shouldn’t you say Olivier Award winning Kenrick..he’s doing very well for himself isn’t he?
Yeah and you know I am so proud to be featuring the most exciting talent in Hip Hop theatre, not just here but globally.
So BC is going on tour?
Yeah, and we are making a point of ensuring the local community is involved. So alongside three featured artists from BC 07 will be local acts
In one way or another you’ve been living, promoting and advocating for Hip Hop theatre – aren’t you tired?
Sometimes. I’ve just come back from a kind of health spa in Cardiff so I’m feeling good today. But we’re just about coming to the end of the TAG…Me vs. The City tour and going straight into Breakin’ Convention so I guess I’ll get tired again. The thing is a lot of energy comes from seeing great Hip Hop – and seeing success.
Do you think you have managed to put across a message by developing Breakin’ Convention?
I hesitate to say it but yes. The message is that street dance and hip hop culture can work in a theatre space. It is an artform. It sounds like I am stating the obvious but there have been those that still question that idea.
Sadler's Wells Sadler’s Wells - 5 - 7 May 2007

Box Office: 0870 737 7737
Opening night: Times: Door open 16:00, Main stage performances 18:00
Prices: 1-Day ticket: £20, 2-Day ticket: £32, 3-Day ticket £48 (concs £12, £18, £27)

Breakin’ Convention 07 UK TOUR DATES

Newcastle Theatre Royal
Wednesday 9 May
Box Office: 0870 905 5060

Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Friday 11 May & Saturday 12 May
Box Office: 0131 529 6000

Birmingham Hippodrome
Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 May
Box Office: 0870 730 1234

Northampton Derngate
Saturday 19 May
Box Office: 01604 624 811

Wycombe Swan
Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 May
Box Office: 01494 512 000

Brighton Dome
Friday 25 & Saturday 26 May
Box Office: 01273 709709

Sheffield City Hall
Wednesday 30 & Thursday 31 May
Box Office: 01142 789 789

Nottingham Playhouse
Saturday 2 June
Box Office: 0115 941 9419

posted by Andrea Enisuoh @ 10:18 AM