HYPE MAN is Back at Battery Park City May 16-18

Posted on by The Flea Theater
Photo by Hunter Canning

The Flea Theater’s HYPE MAN: a break beat play, written by Idris Goodwin and directed by Kristan Seemel, plays on a limited outdoor run next month as part of the Battery Park City Authority’s lineup of summer programs and events. HYPE MAN runs Thursday-Saturday, May 16 through 18 at Irish Hunger Memorial Plaza in Battery Park City.

In HYPE MAN: a break beat play we meet Verb, a young black man who hypes the crowd and Pinnacle, a white front man who writes and rhymes. They’ve been best buddies since they were kids, growing up together on the same mean streets. Now, with the addition of Peep One, a mixed-race, female beat maker, the trio is about to make it big as America’s next hip hop crew. But the shooting of an unarmed black man in their hometown throws them off their beat. Their friendship is tested. Their moral compass is challenged. HYPE MAN immerses audiences in a compelling conversation amongst the beats and rhymes of pulsating hip-hop.

The Flea’s Artistic Director, Niegel Smith says, “Idris has his finger on the pulse – taking the most popular music idiom in our culture and fusing it with a pressing social question. HYPE MAN is challenging and entertaining.” Adds Carol Ostrow, The Flea’s Producing Director, “The Flea is delighted to be a part of Battery Park City’s summer programming and to bring this wonderful New York premiere production that was a part of our Color Brave Season to the larger New York community. We hope it will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

“The Battery Park City Authority is committed to diverse programming as we welcome everyone to enjoy our beautiful parks and public spaces,” said BPCA President & CEO B.J. Jones. “In that spirit we’re delighted to partner with our friends and downtown neighbors at The Flea Theater to bring HYPE MAN here to Battery Park City. We’re inspired by The Flea’s strong support of emerging talent and its bold approach to presenting stories that reflect our everyday lives and the world around us. We look forward to seeing you here!”