January 27-February 2, 2005

artpicks

New Slang

Photo By: michael conti

by Deesha Dyer

theater

"Not to sound arrogant, but I know that no one is doing what we're doing the way we're doing it," says Steven Sapp, artistic director and core member of New York-based theater ensemble Universes. The five members of Universes met through the poetry circles of the city and quickly grew to admire each other's work. They take a contemporary approach to theater through their combination of poetry, music and dance, with an added street element. Directed, developed and shaped by Obie Award-winner Jo Bonney, their latest effort, Slanguage, comes to the Painted Bride for the Language Speaks series.

As they dig deep into the roots of hip-hop, blues and Latin rhythms, the Slanguage cast transform themselves into diverse characters who share a universal connection. Taking the audience on a virtual subway ride through the melting pot known as New York, the performers shine in high-energy scenes filled with powerful monologues and chilling songs that reflect urban living. They turn traditional poetry and spoken word into movements that explore human interaction. Their dynamic and accessible style has allowed them to open up the stage to all types of people from young to old, to suburban families and city dwellers. "They aren't used to artists of color doing work like this," Sapp says. "We are bringing a new type of energy to American theater that hasn't been seen or heard."

Slanguage, Thu., Jan. 27, 7 p.m., $15 ($7.50 members; discount for students and seniors with ID), Fri., Jan. 28 and Sat., Jan. 29, 8 p.m., $20 ($10 members; discount for students and seniors with ID), Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914.