Tupac isn’t dead. Instead, he has reincarnated as Liam, an Irish Indian teenager growing up in rural West Cork. Plagued by his experiences of bullying and isolation that resulted from being the only ethnic minority in his school, his excellent coming-of-age story offers a vulnerable exploration of mixed-race identity. Liam’s passion for rap music is also incorporated into the play through a hip-hop track, helping to add structure to the narrative. Jaisal Marmion delivers a powerful, touching, and impressively musical performance as Liam. Although most of us have never believed we were the real Tupac Shakur reincarnate, this show speaks to the wider questions of identity and belonging that affect us all.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Sive Lawrie]