THE PURISTS
Image Credit: Marc Brenner
The Cambridge Dictionary defines culture as the way of life, customs, and beliefs unique to a specific group at a specific time. For Lamont Born Cipher, aka Lamont (Sule Rimi), Hip-Hop is Black culture—a deeply rooted art form whose essence, he argues, has been eroded by commercialization, severing it from its origins.
Over two hours, Dan McCabe’s The Purists delves into cultural ownership in music, exploring how globalisation and commercial pressures can transform and, at times, dilute artistic expression. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the play examines what it means to safeguard cultural heritage in a world where art constantly evolves.
At the heart of the story are two neighbors: veteran DJ Mr. Bugz (Richard Pepple) and Gerry (Jasper Britton), whose love-hate relationship fuels much of the drama. Their world is rounded out by Lamont, Val (Tiffany Gray),Nancy (Emma Kingston), whose lives intertwine in ways that challenge their ideas of cultural purity. As their stories unfold, it becomes clear that each character’s attempt to protect what matters to them individually ripples across the group, testing their collective values.
The play kicks off with Lamont and Mr. Bugz sparring over hip-hop’s greats, with Lamont passionately declaring, “My nephew is better than Eminem!” From the first scene, his devotion to hip-hop is evident. The stoop becomes the play’s emotional epicenter, a space where rap battles, heartfelt confessions, and shared vulnerabilities shape the characters’ journeys. These moments are pivotal, anchoring the narrative in authenticity and connection.
Themes of race, sexuality, and cultural appropriation drive the tension, particularly on Gerry’s apartment’s first-floor set. Gerry’s pointed comments about Mr. Bugz’s sexuality spark debates on whether clashing identities can coexist. Meanwhile, Val, a young rapper seeking Mr. Bugz’s approval, embodies the hunger and passion of an emerging artist, though she rarely gets the validation she craves. Through Gerry, we meet Nancy, Lamont’s biggest fan, whose vision of hip-hop is to redefine it as an empowering force for women—a sharp contrast to its traditionally male-dominated lens.
The cast’s chemistry is electric, breathing life into Tom Piper’s immersive set design. From scooters to scaffolding that doubles as a gym for Lamont, the space feels alive, drawing the audience into the gritty pulse of New York City. Thoughtful soundscapes and costumes complete the transformation, with Biggie’s iconic beats, flashy bling, and Lamont’s beatboxing transporting the Kiln Theatre into the heart of hip-hop culture.
Yet, some elements of the play feel underdeveloped. Mr. Bugz’s storyline around his sexuality lacks resolution, and Lamont’s rapping occasionally feels disconnected from the broader narrative. The play’s momentum builds in the second half, where its blend of comedy and drama shines brightest. The standout moment—a thrilling rap battle between Val and Nancy—spotlights two women, one white and one Hispanic, carving out their own space amid the chaos, offering a compelling twist.
Directed by Amit Sharma, The Purists is reflective, thought-provoking, and bursting with heart. It balances humour and introspection, sparking laughter while prompting audiences to reconsider their assumptions. Despite its uneven pacing, it’s a captivating exploration of identity, passion, and the complexities of cultural legacy.
★★★★☆
By Eniola Edusi
