Hip-hop culture is often overshadowed by controversy. Mistakenly identified as a consumer-worshipping, gangster-endorsing art form, we forget that its roots lie in social justice, freedom of expression and cultural appreciation. But, as the genre reaches out to a wider audience and evolves all of its not-so-ancient pillars (MC-ing, DJ-ing, b-boying and graffiti) to provide a voice for the issues of our times, we have to ask: will we ever endorse this phenomenon as culturally relevant or, will we continue to brush it off as another form of passive entertainment?

Hosted by Jonzi D and Tony Thrills, Breakin’ Convention returns to Edinburgh with another slick, vivacious and insightful production of ‘hip-hop theatre’, showcasing talent from ‘around the corner and around the globe’. Fronted by different local acts each night, and pushing the conventions of traditional theatre space (literally) out into the foyer with hip-hop workshops, this show is all-inclusive in nature and style. And, it’s rounded off with new productions from French crew Phase T (Top Tardi!) and French/German duo Sébastien and Raphael (Seuls, Ensemble/Together, Alone).

This isn’t just another spin-off of Britain’s Got Talent– it’s a dance-infused piece of theatre with gumption and soul. The strong female presence on stage is refreshing – proving that this once male-dominated genre is evolving its style and attitude. Each act has their niche: some fusing contemporary dance with acrobatics and others mixing theatre with hip-hop dance but all acts provide a narrative – from explorations of the conventional working day (Xena Productions) to the surprisingly moving portrayal of human origami (Heavy Smokers/Psycho Stylez). But, it’s the headliners Sébastien and Raphael who prove what ‘hip-hop theatre’ can and should be: their critique of urban life blends video, movement, mask and shadow and questions our relationship between the self and our cosmopolitan environment: clear, rhythmic and bold, this duo’s fluidity and strength is utterly mesmerising. Breakin’ Convention embraces collectivism: as slaves to individualism, perhaps this is why we’re reluctant to embrace this genre?