Who’s Tupac? brings powerful musical theatre to KVS

After wowing audiences with Rumble in da Jungle, Malcolm X and Dear Winnie, theatre collective Jr.cE.sA.r brings its latest production Who’s Tupac? to KVS.

This intimate and powerful musical theatre performance takes the form of a talent show which features four young people who are desperate to make it - and one MC who will decide who will be the next Tupac.

Tupac Amaru Shakur was named after Tùpac Amaru II who led a major Inca uprising in the 18th century, making him one of the first liberators of the Americas.

Inspired by his namesake, Shakur started his musical career as a rebel with a cause, highlighting social injustice facing African Americans. His path in life led him to an early death - he was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in 1996. He has been dead now for as long as he lived but he is still a potent symbol of the fight for equality.

This show is devoted mostly to music, as the four candidates pour all of their talents and their soul into their performances, bringing the best and most inspiring of 90s rap to explosive life.

“We mostly try to recreate the atmosphere these people brought to the stage, to let viewers today experience that power,” says collective member Cesar Janssens. “Recreating the vibe and the excitement around Malcolm, Winnie, and now Tupac – that’s our way of making theatre.”

Fellow member Junior Mthombeni adds: “Just like Tupac Shakur had a historic warrior’s name, we also touch upon names and stories of the past that have created a legacy. It’s good to know who came and fought before you.”

Who’s Tupac? at KVS, 9-22 September. Photos: Martijn Halie, Danny Willems. Sorry! Our prize draw has now closed and the winners have been informed.