Theatre Review
Produced by The Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with Breaking Cycles
Written and Performed by Charlie Dark Directed by Benji Reid
Lyric Hammersmith Studio
15 April – 3 May, 2008
A review by Allan Taylor for EXTRA! EXTRA!
Have Box, Will Travel is a whistle-stop, autobiographical tour through the life of producer and DJ Charlie Dark (performer and writer of this piece). From his early days of making mix tapes in his bedroom through to the birth of his baby daughter, we are given the insights and highlights of his life so far, as well as the perils and purpose of tragedy in his life. Approaching this with an open mind, right from the off Charlie is very charming and sincere, and passes on his passion for music effortlessly. Recounting tales from his youth, there is something we can all relate to. From trying to justify to your mum why you absolutely must have the same look as everyone else to going to the club to be seen at and trying to take on your perceived enemies (and failing), Dark weaves a story where we cringe more at the way we empathise with him as we recognise our teenage selves in his own story. Dark also accurately describes the quest for fame, and the danger of major label contracts. The deeper meaning within this piece is how we all aspire to be an imagined self that doesn’t really exist, when ultimately we should realise that what we are is special enough without having labels or perceived success attached to us. The most endearing thing about this is that Dark does it in such a way that it isn’t fanciful, flowery, overcomplicated or clever, but in a very real and honest way that probably adds so much credence to its empathic quality. Set to a soundtrack of Run DMC and Public Enemy with some old and obscure jazz, funk and soul vinyls thrown in (and yes, always vinyl; everyone knows it’s a DJing crime to use anything else!), you’ll soon find yourself bobbing along. Dark also incurs the spirit of a very important age of hip hop, when Flava Flav, Chuck D and DJ Lord were giving out the message to respect yourself and be proud of who you are. Overall, a well written piece, with some of the transitions between ages jarring ever so slightly, Dark would have done better to just tell his story as is and take his turn behind the turntables, but there is a conscious effort here to contain it within the confines of ‘theatre’. It does not detract from the thrust, intention and enjoyment of the piece, though. Dark does not try to be urban and in touch with his story, but rather gives it to us as he lived it. I had imagined Have Box, Will Travel would be some performance poet-cum-MC type show, but I was pleasantly surprised that Dark was real enough to bring his DJing skill and real life story to the table to provide something that breaks international barriers; the language of music. Extremely funny and warmly touching, Dark gives us an autobiography that is not patronising, but original and yet emphasises the shared experience of growing up wanting to be someone. Watch out for the ‘how to fake at being a producer’ scene; any aspiring musicians and producers will chuckle as their simple production techniques are revealed live by Dark onstage! Music fans and scenesters will heavily relate to Dark’s repertoire, but he provides an easily engaging web. Dark’s sincerity and authenticity carries this piece, and he has realistically provided a soundtrack to his life. Get down to the Lyric and have a listen to Dark’s mixtape!
Time 8.00pm Meet The Company post-show Q&A: Wednesday 23 April Tickets: £12 / £9 concessions For more info, call 0871 22 117 22 or go to www.lyric.co.uk
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