THE BEBOP APOCALYPSE

San Francisco in the 1950s saw the emergence of the original hipsters, otherwise known as beatniks, who performed electric and (for the time) obscene poems in dimly lit bookshops and bars. While Kerouac, Ginsberg, Cassidy, Kauffman and Burroughs are still revered today, their new generation of disciples never got to sit in those rooms, soaked in the poetry and jazz of that bygone era.

Cut to Sydney, 60 years on, and Marcus Graham and Seriousboys, a not-for-profit co-operative theatre company, have occupied the bohemian quarters of 107 Projects in Redfern to reignite the beatnik spirit for a few special performances. In thick-rimmed glasses, slicked hair, dusty suits and open flannel, seven talented actors deliver thickly accented portrayals of some of the beats’ best works. The mood is spontaneous, with poems performed solo and in unison from yellowing notebooks and to the backdrop of Steven Faga’s pitch-perfect jazz piano. The highlight is Graham’s uncanny and heartfelt performance of Ginsberg’s protest cry America.

Feb 14, 21, & Mar 2, 7pm, 107 Projects, 107 Redfern Street, Redfern, $10 at the door, seriousboys.org  

BY KATIE MAYORS