On the road to a new theatre: Hip Hop theatre

Hip Hop is the most significant cultural movement of Generation X and Y's time. It has influenced the values and identity of youth, in particular, helping shape a new culture. Since its entrance into mainstream entertainment, Hip Hop has given youth more visibility and a medium to share a national culture consequently reaching another level of expressing itself through Hip Hop Theatre. This thesis examines the phenomenon of Hip Hop Theatre and its implications for the future direction of theatre for youth. Information drawn from a variety of sources supports Hip Hop Theatre as the key element to connect youth with Theatre. The information gathered reveals that youth have a more significant experience with the arts through Hip Hop. Youth are more eager and interested in making theatre a lifelong activity. This information will be useful to arts organizations, providing insight on how to increase youth participation in the arts.