LOCAL Houston | The City Guide February 2017 | Page 10

ON OUR RADAR

On February 8 , the Alley Theatre presents Syncing Ink , a semi-autobiographical play by NSangou Njikam that leads audiences on a mystical , lyrical Hip Hop ride to discover what it really takes to freestyle . Tickets are on sale now at www . alleytheatre . org or by calling the Box Office at 713.220.5700 .
“ Now what you hear is not a test / I ' m rapping to the beat !“ In Syncing Ink , Gordon wants to learn how to rap , thinking it will gain him respect , admiration and the attention of a beautiful woman . What he doesn ' t know is that his journey to learn how to rhyme will take him not just deeper into Hip Hop , but deeper into his legacy and his purpose . Syncing Ink is directed by Niegel Smith , Artistic Director of New York ’ s Flea Theater .
Njikam ’ s Syncing Ink was first seen at the Alley in a workshop performance in the Alley All New Festival last year , and it is the first play to receive a full production at the Alley since the launch of the Alley All New initiative . The Alley All New Festival is one component of Alley All New , a major new work initiative that expands the Alley ’ s commitment to playwrights and to produce more world premieres .
NSangou Njikam , playwright and lead actor of the Alley Theatre ’ s World Premiere production Syncing Ink , in front of the Syncing Ink mural located at CPY Printing ( McGowen and Crawford ). Photo by Christopher Diaz .
10 LOCAL | february 17