County of Kings

Last night I had myself the honor of seeing a show at the New York Public theatre called, County of Kings. It is a one person show, written and acted by Lemon Andersen (credits include The Soloist, Miracle at St. Anna, Inside man, and most famously HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, which he won a Tony for on Broadway), and produced by Spike Lee (credentials too vast to list). Brace yourself. It’s an autobiographical experience, about Lemon, a poor mulatto Brooklynite, whose parents both die of HIV;about his time in jail for selling crack, and his discovery of his savior, poetry. Both irresistibly humorous at times, and devestatinlgy honest, Lemon’s hip-hop infused slam poetry, mixed with the underground beats written for the show, couple to make an incredible performance.

From start to finish, the lyrical milieu of slang and irreverant use of high vocabulary had me captivated to say the least.

Regardless of the disparate upbringings that many people have, the reality is the anyone can resonate with this level of honesty. You’d be ridiculous not to be holding back tears as you exit the theatre. Needless to say, a standing ovation was in order.

Oh, and it was free for me (got to love connected friends). Click here for better information.

Here is a sample of the kind of lyricism that went on in the play.