Hip Hop and Breakdancers wanted

Hip Hop performers, breakdancers and rappers across the region are being approached to take part in a high profile event  in Durham next May.

An urban version of the well-known bible story, Cain and Abel, is just one of the 10 stories being performed as The Durham Mysteries, a contemporary twist on the original Mystery Plays.

Cain and Abel is being re-interpreted for a modern audience by DJ and rapper Fred Phethean and his mother, poet and playwright Ellen Phethean, both from the region, and directed by Fiona MacPherson. The pair are keen to hear from any aspiring performers who would like to participate in this unique piece of street theatre.

Ellen Phethean said, “We need committed young performers and dancers to work as a group to perform this 20 minute piece, outdoors, on a specially built stage. We envisage a small core group, with character parts who speak, and a larger group, who may do some choral speaking, but mainly movement and dance. Everyone will be coached in the skills of rapping, break dance and movement.”

Son Fred, who has worked with a number of urban dance and performance groups in the region and across the UK adds, “This is a great opportunity for talented young people to experience and participate in a big community performance piece.”

Interested performers are invited to attend an initial workshop on either 5 December, 1-4pm at the Gala Theatre, Durham or 12 January, 2-4pm at Northumbria University, Newcastle. There will then be further workshops and rehearsals during February and March 2010 followed by an intense period of rehearsal at Easter, 12th - 16th April based at Northumbria University.

Hotly tipped as one of the unmissable cultural events of 2010, The Durham Mysteries will consist of major open air performances – which could be dance pieces, opera, musical theatre, or even film and new media – and will take place at various sites in Durham over three nights. The resurrection of these popular plays, while celebrating Durham’s faith-based history, allows for the Mysteries to be set either in the past or modern day and the performances will provide fantastic opportunities for local people, organisations and community groups to become involved in many different ways.

Kate James, Creative Programmer for Durham's City of Culture bid said: "Durham Mysteries 2010 is an integral element of Durham's cultural programme. It will encourage wide-spread participation in a major high-profile cultural event, stimulate and expand the cultural community within Durham and firmly cement Durham as a major cultural destination."

The workshop is open to people aged 13 + Anyone interested in taking part should contact Fiona MacPherson at - f.macpherson@northumbria.ac.uk or Simon Stallworthy at - SStallworthy@galadurham.co.uk

For more information on the Durham Mysteries visit www.galadurham.co.uk