Dancing into war

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CURRENT events have caught up with the Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Now in its sixth year, this multi-disciplinary event has always had a political consciousness - but this year's major productions focus on the war in Iraq, a vivid reminder that there's more to the festival than rap music, break dancing, poetry and parties.

Of course, there's plenty of that, too. The festival, running through tomorrow at various venues, is even introducing an interactive element: a master class in Breakin,' the legendary urban dance form, taught by Raphael Xavier, better known in the hip-hop community as Z-No-Zeen.

The festival also features an assortment of theatrical productions, dance events, and poetry and dramatic readings, culminating in a wrap party hosted by DJ Rich Medina tomorrow night at the club Sutra, 16 First Ave.

Highlights include the Jack Ya Body Solo Dance Series, featuring Frank Ejara plus an excerpt from dancer/choreographer Rennie Harris' upcoming full-length work, "PrinceScareKrow's Road to the Emerald City "Brotherly Love," a multi-media dance work presented by the Olive Dance Theatre about the social and political turmoil in Philadelphia in the late '70s and early '80s; and "Angel & Hannah: A Love Story in Hip-Hop Sonnets," Ishle Yi Park's performance piece about an interracial love story.

But it's Iraq that's clearly on the festival organizers' minds. There's a reading of a new play, "The Vacant Sky," by Anthony Roman, about a soldier coming home from the war only to find his wife missing. The centerpiece of the fest, playing tomorrow night at The Public Theater, is "Live from the Front," a one-person show written and performed by poet Jerry Quickley that details his experiences as a wartime radio correspondent.

For schedules, venues and other information, call (718) 497-4282 or visit hiphoptheaterfest.org. Tickets are also available at the Theatermania kiosk at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square.