Basic Training July 5, 2009

Basic Training

By arrangement with Merrigong Theatre Co
Based on a True Story
Written by Kahlil Ashanti

Direct from New York, Kahlil Ashanti returns to Australia with his hilarious critically acclaimed autobiographical tale, Basic Training. This one man tale of discovery, survival and redemption will play at Riverside Theatres from Monday 6 July.
Basic Training chronicles Kahlil Ashanti’s time in the military where he learned to serve his country using his talent as his weapon. The day before he leaves for boot camp, Ashanti’s mother reveals a shocking family secret that forces him to question his reasons for leaving. It is through the ensuing mayhem, adventures, life threatening and life affirming situations, narrated by twenty three comical, larger than life characters that Ashanti undergoes self discovery and uncovers what the real ‘Basic Training’ of life is all about.
“Basic Training is about making the most of your family,” said Kahlil Ashanti. “Also realizing that friends are the family that chooses you. And oh what a family it becomes”.
Basic Training has toured around the world and won awards internationally including; 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Sold Out Show, 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Sold Out Show, 2005 Edinburgh Scotsman Fringe First Winner, Best Production at the Montreal and Vancouver Fringe Festivals, Best Male Performance at Melbourne Fringe Festival and Montreal English Critics Circle - Best Visiting Production.
“I think the audience will love the show because we all have families and given the choice we might just trade some of our relatives in…..Come on you know you would!” said Kahlil.
Kahlil Ashanti was born to a military family in Germany and raised in Japan, Texas and Iowa. His travel filled upbringing allowed him a variety of experiences which he now uses as his material. Ashanti began his career as a stand up comedian at the age of fourteen. As a young man Ashanti joined the Air Force and competed against over one thousand five hundred contestants to receive the Roger Award, the highest honour given to an entertainer in the American military. Before the age of twenty one, Ashanti was selected to tour with an elite team of Air Force performers, Tops in Blue. This led to several world tours which gave him the opportunity to perform in twenty seven foreign countries. It was not until 2000, after performing in Las Vegas’ Caesars that Ashanti moved to Los Angeles and began writing Basic Training.
Sixty five electrifying minutes of heart rendering drama, energetic physical comedy and mind blowing rap dance
The Daily Mail, UK
A razor edged roller coaster of a show that will leave you breathless with its energy, dumbstruck at its drama and touched by the very human heart beating at its core.
Metro UK
This show is a killer. Ashanti offers nothing but impeccable magic: his gift for dead right mimicry is comparable to Eddie Murphy… It’s essential viewing.
The Age, Melbourne
Also playing the Seymour Centre
Basic Training Lennox THEATRE, Cnr Church and Market Sts, Parramatta DATES: Jul 6-8 TIMES: Mon 6 July 7:30pm, Tues 7 July 7:30pm, Wed 8 July 11am & 7:30pm TICKET PRICES: Mon- Wed Eve & Matinee Adults $39, Conc $34, 30 & Under $31 Riverside Saver Adults $34, Conc $29, 30 & Under $24 BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Official Website: http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au