In an electric 65 minutes, Debris Stevenson’s autobiographical coming-of-age story is told through grime music. Inspired by Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Boy kinda Corner’ album that defined the 2000’s grime scene, Stevenson reworks his music to tell us her story.
Pumping with power and pace, the way they combine grime and movement to drive the storytelling. Debris Stevenson is a breath of fresh air as she creates a modern piece of theatre that fuses spoken word, poetry and grime in a revolutionary way.
Raised as a Mormon, struggling with dyslexia and unable to fit in. She discovers Dizzee Rascal and his music give her a sense of empowerment. The story is told by Debris alongside the excellent Stacey Abalogun and Kirubel Belay. Until the performance is abruptly interrupted by SS Vyper played by Jammz – who heckles Debris. It turns out he is Debris’ friend from years ago that gave her the Dizzee album that changed her life.
Debris is astounding on stage, not only is she a remarkable performer through narrative, rap and movement, she completely encapsulates the audience and takes them on their journey. Stacey Abalogun flicks from character to character seamlessly whilst maintaining the energy of the production and Kirubel Belay
It’s a whirlwind production that takes us through her strict upbringing, bullying at school and first love. It’s a universal story with themes everyone can relate to, told in a uniquely compelling way.
Poet in da Corner is on at Birmingham Rep until Sat 13 March, tickets and information can be found online.
