Evolutionary Tales - A Hip Hop Theatre Cycle: Baba Brinkman is Back!

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


It's wonderful to meet people that have an extremely unique niche in the performance world. I don't think there has been, or ever will be, an artist akin to the likes of Baba Brinkman. He is a talented rapper, writer and performer - and his work is based on the biology behind evolution. He covers topics like natural selection, sexual selection and evolutionary psychology in a manner that is part rap concert, part biology class and part stand up comedy. It's the kind of combination you'd expect to see at fringe festivals (and indeed, his work has been highlighted at many) and small town, back alley venues; however, Brinkman has managed to bring his unique acts to the mainstream. He has performed his shows to many off-Broadway audiences in New York City, he will be performing at this year's 'World Science Festival', and he has just scored another run at the The Players Theatre from May 31 - June 23.

In his next run, aptly titled 'Evolutionary Tales: A Hip Hop Theatre Cycle', Brinkman will be playing a combination of his three previous works. These are: Ingenious Nature, The Rap Guide to Evolution, and The Canterbury Tales Remixed, all performed with live turntablism and original music by UK Millennium Award winning DJ/Producer Jamie Simmonds.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


I applaud Baba Brinkman for his success in a field that is utterly unique and unexpected. Cannot wait until he tours to the West Coast!

Carin Bondar is a biologist, writer and film-maker with a PhD in population ecology from the University of British Columbia. Find Dr. Bondar online at www.carinbondar.com, on twitter @drbondar or on her facebook page: Dr. Carin Bondar – Biologist With a Twist.

More by Carin Bondar

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe