Clay

“Come inside, open up your ears up wide” to hear the story of a derelict 17-year old boy named Clifford who flees from his dysfunctional “family” and finds a home in the arms of Sir John and hip-hop. “Clay”, the one-man hip-hop musical held at the Duke on 42nd Street, certainly broke the traditional and ordinary mindset of a classic musical. Written and performed by Matt Sax, “Clay” opened its curtains with the night that Clifford is performing his major debut as a hip-hop performer. At once, we can see that this play twists time as it is loaded with flashbacks.

Although the storyline is rather predictable, it is also relevant in some cases. Children do experience the psychological effects of parental divorces as Clifford did at the tender age of 7. When his father remarries and Clifford gets a stepmother, he runs in the streets of Brooklyn to find a sanctuary. Somewhat expectantly, he runs into a bookstore where Sir John is performing. With hip-hop as his saving grace, Clifford learns to deal with his residential problems but realizes he cannot escape his past.

Matt Sax is certainly talented, even though young, as he successfully takes on the role of 5 different people. He is Clifford, the timid and nervous boy who stammers as he speaks and is the father, a sarcastic businessman who only uses Clifford as a pawn in his fight against his wife. At the same time, he is also the mother, who is a smoke addict and commits suicide, and Sir John, Clifford’s mentor and hip-hop teacher. The fact that he acted these different personalities without a change in costume or makeup is already an impressive feat. All he needs is a hooded sweater, his voice, and his face. Mr. Sax’s mouth as a musical instrument is another talent to praise. His catchy rhythms and admirable beat boxing stir the audience into laughter as he provides a humorous remix of Britney Spears or Michael Jackson. Not only is his costume simple, but the stage is unadorned as well. All the stage provides is a backdrop of stacks of books and curtains to reveal each act.

Some parts were rather graphic however. For instance, Mr. Sax went into much detail by reenacting the sexual tension between Clifford and his stepmother. In addition to this, Sax unnecessarily jumps off the stage to rap to women in the front row of the audience, startling a young woman such as myself. Despite these dispensable and unnecessary actions, “Clay” proved to be a captivating performance as it stole my attention the entire time, more so because of Sax’s skill in beat-boxing. Matt Sax is a compelling young talent and is definitely someone to look out for.