Ming-Trent is a high-energy explosion of joy \u2014 a striking contrast to the autobiographical material, which begins with his father going to jail when he was a child and includes chapters of homelessness, drug use, and fraught family tension. Under Tony Taccone\u2019s direction, Ming-Trent\u2019s playfulness balances the tough truths of his story, while Shakespeare fits alongside hip-hop to create a cohesive production. Video projections by Alexander V. Nichols add to the show\u2019s kinetic energy, and colorful typefaces, graphics, and illustrations help set the scenes.<\/p>\n
Ming-Trent is particularly strong in the beatboxing and spoken-word sections, where he sets his storytelling to a beat (original music and sound design are by Jake Rodriguez). These musical bits show how his younger self came to see Shakespeare alongside his other wordsmithing heroes, Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s clear that the 400-year-old Bard had a profound impact on a young Ming-Trent, but save for a brief glimpse of an acting class and an interaction with a casting director, his stage career is largely missing from the play. I wanted to know more about how Shakespeare shaped the actor he became \u2014 and whether that smooth, booming voice ever did get to play Othello. The play focuses more on what Ming-Trent needed saving from than on what Shakespeare gave him in return.<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, Ming-Trent maintains a propulsive energy throughout, inviting the audience, whom he addresses as \u201ccongregation,\u201d to keep the story moving by repeating the phrase \u201cPlay on!\u201d The congregation eagerly repeats it back throughout the 90-minute show.<\/p>\n
The performance I attended was interrupted by a fire alarm, and after we all filed back into the Public’s Shiva Theater, the congregation gave a hearty \u201cPlay on!\u201d Ming-Trent didn\u2019t skip a beat.<\/p>\n
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How Shakespeare Saved My Life summary<\/p>\n
How Shakespeare Saved My Life sees writer\/performer Jacob Ming-Trent chronicle his difficult upbringing, including a drug-addicted father serving time in prison, a tough-love mother, and a period of homelessness. At the center of his story is William Shakespeare, who became both a literary hero and a near-spiritual figure in Ming-Trent\u2019s life. The one-man show is an autobiographical fusion of hip-hop, poetry, and storytelling.<\/p>\n
How Shakespeare Saved My Life is a co-production of Red Bull Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Folger Theatre, performed at The Public Theater.<\/p>\n
What to expect at How Shakespeare Saved My Life<\/p>\n
The 90-minute show does not have an intermission. Audiences should be prepared to participate in a call-and-response, and one lucky person may be called upon to stand in as Ming-Trent\u2019s high school crush, Sylvia, in one scene. The show features lound sound effects, including gunshots.<\/p>\n
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What audiences are saying about How Shakespeare Saved My Life<\/p>\n
On the online review aggregator Show-Score, How Shakespeare Saved My Life had an audience approval score of 85% as of writing. Theatregoers \u2014 or congregants \u2014 mostly praised Ming-Trent\u2019s heartfelt performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cJacob Ming-Trent bares his soul in this brutally honest portrayal of his life. Despite overcoming overwhelming difficulties and tragedy, he learns love, which he transers to the audience (the congregation) at every performance.\u201d – Show-Score user Kim G City
\n\u201cOne-man show displays how Shakespeare \u2018saved\u2019 the life of a poor black boy. Saved? His was a miserable life. Energetic and at times entertaining, but generally a pedestrian and overwrought confessional vehicle.\u201d – Show-Score user Bruce 6
\n\u201cI bawled my eyes out. This was incredibly impactful and highly recommend it.\u201d Show-Score user Soha
\n\u201cMoving one-man show about the struggles of a young actor.\u201d – Show-Score user Lala
\n\u201cA really good theatre-as-therapy style show. This guy\u2019s story is interesting and relatable.\u201d Show-Score user JoeyFranko<\/p>\n