Hipsters hop into Sydney

Ever since its birth on the blocks of New York, hip-hop culture has reflected issues of race, poverty, gender and inequality. And let’s not forget how those lithe, supple bodies and strong attitudes have fuelled the imagination and dreams of gays and lesbians.

Now, an all-star cast of Australian hip-hop will unite for Survival Tactics, a powerful journey through the struggles of the urban metropolis.

Legendary Australian hip-hop practitioner, Morganics, returns to The Studio at the Opera House to direct and perform in this new production starring Maya Jupiter, Wire MC, Nick Power, SistaNative and Bboy Jay.

Survival Tactics uses hip-hop as a common language to tell personal tales of police brutality and parenthood, racism and relationships.

Much like his sold-out shows Crouching Bboy Hidden Dreadlocks (2004) and Stereotype (2005), Morganics once again draws on his own insights gained from teaching hip-hop in local jails, community centres and isolated Aboriginal communities to shape the show. But this time, a larger crew joins him to bring their life-long experiences to the stage.

A fusion of hip-hop and theatre, Survival Tactics is a sensory celebration of this often misunderstood art form. Rhyme, spoken word, graffiti, dance and physical theatre combine to tell gritty, uplifting stories of survival.

Tongan soul singer SistaNative from Bounty 75 merges Pacific melodies with drum’n’bass, house and hip-hop for a hip-shaking experience. Wickid Force breaker Bboy Jay is a captivating performer, teacher, choreographer and DJ, spinning both hip-hop and house sets.

Wire MC is a guitarist, songwriter, actor and community worker. The original Aboriginal MC, he has performed across the country and continues to work with young Koori kids in Redfern. Nick Power (Gravity Warriors) is one of Australia’s hardest-working b-boys, pulling headspins around the globe from LA to Brazil, as well as working as a choreographer in remote communities.

Host of The Triple J Hip-Hop Show and Freestyle on Channel V, the multi-talented Maya Jupiter is an MC and salsa dancer. She has performed with a who’s who of international hip-hop and recently returned from hanging out with Crazy Legs in New York and, yes, performing onstage with Prince.

The show will tour Australia before heading to the United Kingdom in October.

Survival Tactics is at The Studio, 8-11 August. Tickets start at $15. Bookings: 9250 7777 or online at sydneyoperahouse.com.