Sometimes when I see a performance it makes me want to grab
my laptop and write a review, so that I can share my experience with others in the
hope that more people will go, see it, and get something back from it like I have.
Today’s performance of ‘Rain’ by Jack Dean was one of these
performances. I picked it from the Ignite Festival line-up because of its
subject matter, pathetic fallacy and mental illness – a fun chirpy sort of one
man show, perfect for a sunny evening after work. I sort of skirted over its
mention of hip hop poetics when I read about it, the subject matter intrigued
me enough, so I booked a ticket.
The turn out was pretty good, a fair indication of a promising
performance ahead, but the performance exceeded my expectations immensely. Jack’s
stage presence was relaxed but stunningly self-assured and confident. The words
weaved and threaded through life experiences, rain clouds and hilarious
pop-culture related jokes. The words were eloquent and so well delivered that I
didn’t miss a single one and the changes between rap and different characters
kept it interesting and engaging. The staged rap in the middle of the
show was a delightful highlight, as was the therapist/patient scene. The music
and the prop were also very well thought out clever elements of the show, I certainly think that by making sure your audience is relaxed, they will be more receptive to what you then give them and I think that the music did just that.
I left feeling that I had experienced all of the things that
I would hope to from a performance, I had laughed, I had been surprised and I had
identified. I hope to see more from Jack Dean in the future and I encourage
you to see this show while you can.
Last chance is tomorrow, 6th
June at 8.15pm at The Phoenix. Run time is 30 minutes.
