WELCOME TO ESCAPE ARTISTS
The Rappers Opera workshops are held at Skylight- a branch of Crisis with great facilities. We have written our own storylines based on the Brecht play Threepenny Opera which is itself based on John Gay’s Beggar’s Opera. We are working from two different scripts, both encompassing Brecht and Gay’s main themes of gang warfare, politics, government, followed by peaceful resolution. Where they use song to tell their stories we will be using rap. The scripts were written collaboratively by the whole group and made into storyboards for clarity. The group is made up of members of Penrose and Skylight. This is an OCN accredited course, helping develop skills in music, computing, group work and performance.
WELCOME TO ESCAPE ARTISTS
We have used our storylines as inspiration to write both music and lyrics. Some music is written as backing for rap whilst some is self explanatory and atmospheric. The sessions typically involve some group discussion, some time building tracks on the computer individually or in small groups. We also spend time sharing our work, listening to what others have done. Some members of the group are experienced MCs or rap artists and are keen to develop their skill. Others have produced music before and there is a large proportion for whom this type of work is new. Many also play instruments or sing. We encourage everyone to learn new skills and use their pre-existing ones. We are beginning to focus on building our work into a production.
