The Realness (a break beat play)
by New Manifest Theatre Company
Jan. 17 - Jan. 26, 2019
Thursdays-Saturdays
New Manifest Theatre Company brings killer rhymes, humor and heart to Austin’s Mastrogeorge Theatre with the regional premier of Idris Goodwin’s The Realness (a break beat play). The production, directed by Simone Alexander, runs from January 17 – 26, 2019.
The Realness is a coming-of-age love story set to the beat of hip hop history. The play tackles questions about authenticity and class collision in 1996. Idris Goodwin’s script seamlessly shifts between dialogue, rap, and spoken word poetry. “He’s created such a specific world for the characters to grow and strive in,” Artistic Director Simone Alexander said, “Goodwin is a writer whose intention and style leap off the page.”
Sound designer Malyssa Quiles incorporates both ‘90s hip hop and orchestral soundscapes into the production. The break beat rhythms surge like a 2pac rap while the atmospherics float like a cinematic soundtrack. “This play is almost like a movie in that there’s a lot of music,” Quiles said, “But it also focuses on real world sounds.”
Music is an integral part to the production. Scenic designer Nehemiah Alexander incorporates large speakers into the minimalistic set and features hanging platforms full of graffiti and murals. With the help of local Austin street artists, the set takes on the bustling atmosphere of 1996 city life. The intimate space only seats 35 people, so audiences feel the energy from every angle.
Portions of the set will be included in a silent auction, so audience members have the opportunity to take home the murals after the run of the production. The auction will also feature several pieces from Austin’s best muralists and street artists. Food and drinks are available for a donation.
Cast:
$15 veterans/military, seniors, students, artists $30 VIP (includes premium seating and one drink)
T.O – Justin Whitener
Prima – Ashley Hazzard
Lord Style – Hollis Lapree Edwards Roy – AJ Reyes
Professor Brown - Khali McDuff-Sykes
Designers:
Director – Simone Alexander
Stage Manager – Allie van Niman Scenic Designer – Nehemiah Alexander Sound Designer – Malyssa Quiles Lighting Designer – Jacqueline Sindelar
About New Manifest Theatre Company
New Manifest Theatre Company is dedicated to storytelling from a diversity of specific voices, styles, and perspectives in contemporary theatre. Our vision is to foster a diverse collaborative ensemble company, value every facet of the theatre, and provide educational programs that focus on the artistic ideals we hold. We produce plays that evoke empathy, passion and questions that allow meaningful discussion to thrive. Core Values are: diversity, artistic excellence, operational excellence, education, outreach, collaboration and community. newmanifest.org
The Realness (a break beat play)
by Idriss Goodwin
New Manifest Theatre Company
January 17 - January 26, 2019
The Realness (a break beat play) plays at 8 pm January 17 – 19 and 24 – 26 at The Mastrogeorge Theatre, 130 Pedernales Street Suite 318B. The show runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for students. VIP tickets are available for $30 and include premium seating and one drink. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at newmanifest.org.
Production Information
Dates: January 17 – 19 and 24 – 26, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Matrogeorge Theatre, 130 Pedernales Suite 318B. Tickets: Purchased at the door or at newmanifest.org Admission: $20 general admission
