Will Power is an American playwright, rapper, actor, and educator.
Image: Will Power
Hip-hop theater is a form of theater that presents contemporary stories through the use of one or more of the four elements of hip-hop cultureāb-boying, graffiti writing, MCing (rapping), and DJing. Other cultural markers of hip-hop such as spoken word, beatboxing, and hip-hop dance can be included as well although they are not always present. What is most important is the language of the theatrical piece and the plot's relevance to the world. Danny Hoch, the founder of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, further defines it as such: "Hip-hop theatre must fit into the realm of theatrical performance, and it must be by, about and for the hip-hop generation, participants in hip-hop culture, or both."
French hip-hop dance company Franck II Louise performing at Breakin' Convention 2006.
In the 2000s, popular Broadway musicals such as Rent incorporated hip hop music influences. This picture shows the Broadway cast from 2005.