BASH’D by Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, directed by by Ron Jenkins (Theatre Passe Muraille (16 Ryerson). To Oct 31. Pwyc-$35. 416-504-7529. See listing. Rating: NNNN
Since debuting in 2007, queer hip-hop opera Bash’d has received universal props from critics, and with good reason – it’s the perfect present-day parable.[rssbreak]
The story roughly riffs off Shakespeare’s most tragic lovers Jack and Dillon are a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, a couple from conflicting worlds whose love sets off a violent chain reaction fuelled by petty intolerance.
Written and performed by Edmonton exports Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, the duo throw down some serious rap skills as their hilarious hip-hop alter egos Feminem and T-bag, two homo MCs who’ve got something to say about the same-sex marriage debate.
Equally in debt to Dr. Seuss and Dr. Dre, Craddock and Cuckow are a pleasure to watch as they energetically spit lightning-fast narrative rhymes that are playfully offensive but loaded with political food for thought.
Aaron Macri’s suprisingly club-calibre backing beats lead to a weird problem: Craddock and Cuckow create a bona fide party vibe, so it feels really strange to just sit there watching. In a different sort of venue you’d definitely be dancing.
While their strategy to rap nearly every word could, in theory, get repetitive, the duo keep their show snappy and varied enough. A song about Dillon’s youth in a conservative small town is a comic highlight. Amazingly, they’re able to wrap up their complex, emotional, action-packed tale in just over an hour – no easy feat.
