Pied Piper is a hip-hop family musical told by a cast of seven professional beatboxers and musicians alongside a local ensemble from each area. Written and composed by hip-hop theatre practitioner and Artistic Director Conrad Murray. We sat down with Conrad to discuss his upcoming performance.
Pied Piper reimagines a medieval fable through hip-hop, beatboxing, and live-looping. What was it about this particular story that felt right for a vocal-led, contemporary retelling?
I felt that it was a cool story that was about the power of music. The Piper used his pipes to lead away the rats , and then got revenge using music. What’s another meaning of pipes? The voice! So it seemed like the perfect fit!
You’ve spoken about wanting to showcase both the expressive power of the human voice and the talent of young people from working-class backgrounds. How do those two aims meet inside this production?
The cast are from working class backgrounds. The fact that this show can be transformative for the performers is very important to me. That is one of the aims of my work- to create incredible shows that entertain the audience whilst changing lives. Being that working class people make up only 7% of the industry , it is pivotal that we are also the best at our craft and show what are capable of.
The show brings local young performers on stage alongside professional beatboxers in every tour location. What does that exchange between community and professional artists add to the meaning of the piece?
The show is about the importance of art and music- and we do just that with the show. Getting to share the stage along with kids whom it may be their first time performing onstage is sick! Creating such cool memories. We could be inspiring the next huge beatboxer or performer- or just giving someone some confidence and fun. It’s all meaningful. We are about what we talk about. There are a lot of fakers out there, we aren’t one of them!
There’s a strong emphasis in Pied Piper on art as a necessity rather than a luxury—especially for young people. In the current cultural and educational climate, why does that feel urgent to assert on stage?
The government has taken drama and music out of schools. This has affected the culture and the importance of art. Art is something we do. It is shared experiences. It is NOT content. We aren’t influencers. But the art and the experiences we provide can be influential. Kids need to realise that the little fun things we make up and do , that we share with others is art.
You’ve said you want audiences to leave feeling hopeful. After all the noise, rhythm, and energy of the show, what kind of hope are you most interested in leaving behind?
The hope that we can all make a difference and make a change. Even for a moment. Even making someone else smile. That is important. We only have now. Live performance is ephemeral- it disappears. Built maybe all sound lasts forever. Pinging about until you make that hi hat ‘Tee’ sound.
We get the audience to beatbox with us, and they see kids from their communities on stage, alongside award winning performers. We were the kids from the council estates and tough backgrounds who have taken this to Australia, to the BBC, The Globe, been the highest reviewed show at the Edinburgh festival and now on tour to prestigious venues and into communities. Anything is possible.
Pied Piper plays at Derby Theatre 21-22nd February before continuing its tour across the UK. Tickets are available here.