Spring Break
The rhythm and the beat
by Michelle Minkoff
Arts | 5/22/07
Posted online at 1:43 AM EST on 5/22/07
/ Last updated at 2:04 PM EST on 5/22/07
Mere days before Greed's debut, a racially charged controversy had shaken our campus, bringing into the spotlight issues that have become all too familiar. Yet, at packed performances of the rap musical exploring the desperation that affects people of all races, the audience consisted of a far more racially diverse crowd than the usual "theater people" who frequent performances.
Greed was written and directed by Will Chalmus '07, and presented by Free Play Theatre Cooperative. Taking a cue from early morality plays, Greed demonstrated the repercussions of risking everything-even if it means breaking the law-to put food on the table.
Chalmus' script tells the story of Try (Aadam Abdul-Musawwir '10), who needs to make money to support his mother (Ria Roberts '10) and little brother Excel (Robert Tynes '10). Desperate for money, Try falls in with a group of four thugs, and together they plan to rob a bank. In order to do so, Try needs to first seduce the bank manager's daughter (Linnea Sage '10) to get information. Ultimately, Try faces the consequences that inevitably follow his frantic plan.
The show features a full and eclectic cast of characters in the show. Abdul-Musawwir won the audience's hearts with his honest innocence, while Roberts' intense attitude and strong presence were impossible to overlook. Meanwhile, Nathan Porteshawver '09-the banker-kept a straight, serious face while he rapped away.
Try's desire to do the right thing, despite his desperation, allows the audience to relate to his character. Abdul-Musawwir maintained his naiveté next to some very well-played and frightening gangsters. The portrayal made his transition to bank robber all the more tragic, and underscored the greed that drove him to his downfall.
The last scenes of the show are expressed through rhythmic dance and feature the entire cast stepping in rhythm around the stage. Once they stopped, one character at a time walked into the spotlight for a solo performance. The varying pace of action involves and captures the audience's attention throughout the different settings and various characters' points of views. Despite the fast pace of the rap pieces, Chalmus said he worked with the actors to achieve a rhythmic and coherent performance.
Greed was written and directed by Will Chalmus '07, and presented by Free Play Theatre Cooperative. Taking a cue from early morality plays, Greed demonstrated the repercussions of risking everything-even if it means breaking the law-to put food on the table.
Chalmus' script tells the story of Try (Aadam Abdul-Musawwir '10), who needs to make money to support his mother (Ria Roberts '10) and little brother Excel (Robert Tynes '10). Desperate for money, Try falls in with a group of four thugs, and together they plan to rob a bank. In order to do so, Try needs to first seduce the bank manager's daughter (Linnea Sage '10) to get information. Ultimately, Try faces the consequences that inevitably follow his frantic plan.
The show features a full and eclectic cast of characters in the show. Abdul-Musawwir won the audience's hearts with his honest innocence, while Roberts' intense attitude and strong presence were impossible to overlook. Meanwhile, Nathan Porteshawver '09-the banker-kept a straight, serious face while he rapped away.
Try's desire to do the right thing, despite his desperation, allows the audience to relate to his character. Abdul-Musawwir maintained his naiveté next to some very well-played and frightening gangsters. The portrayal made his transition to bank robber all the more tragic, and underscored the greed that drove him to his downfall.
The last scenes of the show are expressed through rhythmic dance and feature the entire cast stepping in rhythm around the stage. Once they stopped, one character at a time walked into the spotlight for a solo performance. The varying pace of action involves and captures the audience's attention throughout the different settings and various characters' points of views. Despite the fast pace of the rap pieces, Chalmus said he worked with the actors to achieve a rhythmic and coherent performance.
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