*****

So moved by the last Chickenshed production 2007 ‘As The Mother Of A Brown Boy’ I was very keen to see ‘Crime of the Century’ 2009’s offering.

As with ‘As The Mother Of A Brown Boy’ this production is based on several tragedies with close connections to the company. One, Shaquille, a 14-year-old member of Chickenshed was attacked outside his home, less than one year ago. He was the 25^th youth to die of stab wounds in London last year. The resulting theatre production  ‘Crime of the Century’ was inspired by these pointless devastating crimes. This piece of theatre incorporates dance, rap, texts and projection, it is a message from the hearts of all involved that the violence must end.

The production begins with the cast coming on to the stage from where they have been sitting in and amongst the audience, in an attempt to prove that not only are the victims our neighbours and had needs and expectations but also that the perpetrators are also deserved the same care and attention. Interviews were taken from victims, perpetrators, families, surgeons, police officers and ex-offenders these have been amalgamated and shaped in to the book. The movement pieces are powerful and tightly choreographed. Four songs are sung / rapped live on stage. It is not an easy piece to watch and listen to but is very moving.

Once again I discovered after the show that the performer on stage who plays the role of the killer is Shaquille’s cousin and was therefore as close to the original crime as possible. Also that Shaquille’s uncle co-wrote the show.

I admire Chickenshed on so many levels, they allow anyone to perform with them no matter if they have a handicap or disability. They tackle subjects that affect the whole population being brave enough to utilise their own experiences. That they take these shows and perform them for others to see in the hope that some form of message will get across to the youth of today.

The performers are, Philip Constantinou, Dominique Crooks, Daniel Banton, Loren Jacobs, Charlie Kemp, Mark Lees, Gavin May, Jacob Maynard, Nathan Welsh and Dina Williams.

Crime of The Century

Company: -   Chickenshed

Venue: -   Zoo Southside    V

Dates: -  &th  to  30th  August   2009   Not 12th, 19th and 26th.

Times: -  14-45  to  15-45

Fringe Programme Page: -   p113