The Toronto theatre scene is one that offers a vast array of types and styles of theatre. Outside the mainstream theatre districs, we, as a captive audience, are practically spoiled in the many choices we have with the many theatre companies whose work grace the stage almost every night.

For this reason, I am giving you 5 reasons to get out of the ordinary and make your way to Brotherhood: The Hip Hopera playing at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre until Saturday, October 25th.

Reason 1
This is a non-stop, high energy, one man show starring Sébastien Heins as two brothers living the Hip Hop Life. It uses original music and physical theatre to tell this parodied story. Key word: Parody.

We are taken from the 1970s and into the future, as Sébastien mixes Hip Hop and R & B, Rap, Soul, Funk, and Gospel to share a raw yet touching story of family and brotherly love. And be sure that Sébastien’s performance as all characters does not disappoint. Not to mention he has great stage presence.

Reason 2
This afteRock Plays production is more of an “immersive experience”; akin to being at a live hip hop concert. From the pre-show performances to the music playing as you enter the theatre we are already part of the journey, so to speak.

Reason 3
The music. For those of us who grew up listening to hip hop and rap along with some older music genres, the music will literally resonate with you. It may even take you back… way back.

Reason 4
It is an opera. By definition, an opera is “a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists.” This show has all of these. The highs and low of any and every opera can be found in Brotherhood…

Reason 5
It is diverse. It is great to see theatre from companies reflecting the many cultures of our city, as is bcurrent. As audience members, and as theatre aficionados, we need to support companies like this so that we can see more of the stories that reflect our society as a whole on stage.