In Between Two (A CAAP Production, Melbourne Festival)

The warm glow of the Arts Centre is inviting on this cold, wind-swept Wednesday evening. As Melbourne threatens its usual indecisive forecast an excitable cue begins to shuffle into the bustling theatre now taking their seats. James Mangohig takes the stage as an Asian-influenced instrumental accompanies digital imagery on screens. An energetic Joel Ma, aka Joelistics, comes bounding out of side stage, mic in hand. The original track displays the influence of infamous acts like A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys and De La Soul on the Australian's verses over time. Mangohig watches on with an infectious smile wrapped across his face and before the two start talking, and we are immediately unified.

Centrestage, Ma begins his family's tale around the year of 1916. Old photos are brilliantly matched to the faces he speaks of, his grandma's journey to Australia and just how his Chinese lineage found residence (but more so, a home), in Sydney. Mangohig's story, while similar, is intrinsically different. His story traces back to the Philippines and invites us into village life, buffalo transportation, and how his grandfather, like Ma's grandmother, journeyed abroad in search of education.

The two collaborate seamlessly; friends narrating their stories of love and loss, incredible accounts of owning clubs, finding religion and forming identity in an inarguably racist 'white Australia'. While the room is silent you can almost feel everyone checking their privilege.

Ma treats us to a live performance of a verse from The Horse You Rode In On (a TZU classic) while Mangohig portrays his adolescent development with what can be described as a rock version of Amazing Grace. As we listen on to their portrayal of dog-whistle politics, their finding of individuality through music and just how crucial their families are to who the musicians are today, "ooohhhs" and "aahhhss" bubble audibly across the room.

This is a hip hop show unlike any other. An Australian narrative challenging how you think, how you feel about society and its moral fibre. An original track about Ma's grandma's hands concludes the performance and with the utmost respect and gratitude for the personal insight, we applaud the two with a standing ovation. If only for an hour, we have been part of their family.