REVIEW: BOY IN DA KORMA by Jaisal Marmion at Jermyn Street Theatre (Footprints Festival) 16-26 January 2024

‘captures youthful hopes and designs on the future’ ★★★★ ½

Shazia Mirza, the British-Pakistani comedian, during one of her shows claimed to have taught Dizzee Rascal when she was a teacher in Tower Hamlets. This is not quite as unbelievable as Liam’s claim to be the reincarnation of Tupac. Yes, the actual one. Tupac Shakur, who made (musical and political) waves in the world of hip-hop and media, only to be shot dead in Las Vegas in 1996.

Structured with 10 tracks and humorous titles (“Guess who’s back?” And “Tupac at the Taj” and “Straight Outta Skibbereen”) while telling his story, Liam (Jaisal Marmion) brings us back to his youth in Skibereen, Ireland. That tale includes his friend Darrel, his nemesis Shane, his mother, and his grandfather, all of whom he portrays through caricature but so precisely. He shares how being the only brown face (born to an Indian father and Irish mother whose relationship didn’t last) had numerous challenges, including feeling excluded, being bullied, and not being sure how to find his way to pursue the musical career he desperately desires.

Marmion is personable, funny, and has a great voice, which he demonstrates during his touching rendition of a Van Morrison song well loved by his grandfather. His own rapping is clever and enjoyable for a varied audience. The 60-minute storytelling piece moves along with solid pace, having different locations and numerous characters, including Louis Walsh at Cork’s Got Talent. The projections (Douglas Baker) are particularly impressive and memorable, especially when a colourful Tupac animation shows up as a stirring voice to Liam during his darkest hour.

Dizzee Rascal recorded what some consider the best grime album at the tender age of 17. This show captures youthful hopes and designs on the future (including making Compton, once the roughest part of LA, seem like a dream-like life) through Liam’s almost hallucinogenic perceptions. His concept of being the reincarnation of Tupac and his dreams to be like Biggie, Kanye, or Dizzee are not to be played out, but his realisation at the end of who he is and tied to the concept of reincarnation is moving.

A few years ago, Debris Stephenson performed Poet in Da Corner at the Royal Court, her take on the seminal work of Dizzee Rascal (Boy in Da Corner) using poetry to express her experience of this impactful album on her, especially growing up in a Mormon household. Now we have the Asian-Irish take. Imitation is, indeed, the sincerest form of flattery. And what a piece with which to give that compliment.

BOY IN DA KORMA by Jaisal Marmion at Jermyn Street Theatre (Footprints Festival) 16-26 January 2024

Performed by Jaisal Marmion

Directed by Ben Grant

Sound Designer: Bella Kear

Lighting Designer: David Doyle

Video & Projection Design: Douglas Baker

Reviewed by Mariam Mathew