Theatre Arts’ Repertory Company has performed for thousands of Louisville youth since 1975 and is back again this year.
Theatre Arts Professor Sidney Monroe Williams is directing his second production with the UofL Rep Company, “Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip Hop Creation Myth.” The play, which is a remix of a West African trickster tale, follows Zomo, a young rapping rabbit on a quest for power who learns the creative value of cooperation while unwittingly creating hip-hop culture. This interactive show fuses hip-hop music, playful costumes and Louisville landmarks which are sure to engage children and their families.
The cast for the production is comprised of this year’s second-year Master of Fine Arts candidates, including Tyler Tate (Zomo the Rabbit), Jordan Tudor (Sky God), Caisey Cole (Leopard), Alex Gordon (Wild Cow) and undergraduate Aliyah Brutley (Big Fish). The ‘MC’ of the production is undergraduate, CeCe Philips, who serves as the stage manager. Third-year MFA candidate, Xavier Harris, serves as the ‘B-Boy,’ creating 90s hip-hip choreography for the production. New faculty member Jerome Wills is the ‘graffiti artist’ and ‘DJ’ as he creates the set and sound design. The mastermind behind the 90s fashion is UofL’s costume-designer, Melissa Shepard.
“I have to express my gratitude for this fierce ensemble and crew that manage to cram flips, choreography, lightning set changes, rhyming and audience interaction into 60 minutes of pure goodness,” Williams said.
The show is recommended for youth in kindergarten through 6th grade. The debut is this weekend at UofL before the show hits the road for a number of area school performances along with other engagements, including a showing Oct. 27 at the Speed Art Museum.
“Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip Hop Creation Myth” plays 11 a.m. Oct. 19 and 1 p.m. Sun., Oct. 20 at Thrust Theatre, 2314 S. Floyd St. Tickets are $5. Click here to purchase tickets.
“We’ve been waiting to share our love of hip-hop with you,” Williams added.
