Azuka and Simpatico present Khalil Munir’s 1 Pound 4 Ounces

The show is at its most affecting when Munir tenderly inhabits his characters. His portrayals of his mother radiate warmth, hope, and concern. His turns as his father are equally moving, filled with longing and a deep yearning for connection. By the time he speaks of his own child, the love pouring through him is almost overwhelming. His vulnerability becomes a model of positive masculinity. It’s a shock to the system to see a man cry while dancing.

Frank, exuberant, and lyrical

As a teacher, I also deeply appreciated Munir’s frank discussion of his experience in school as a child with dyslexia. He shares how participating in Philadelphia’s own Freedom Theatre gave him the confidence to pursue art and the care he needed to receive extra support for his learning needs.

Munir’s tap dancing elevates the production, both literally and metaphorically. Sometimes it is exuberant, as when he recalls seeing Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk, and sometimes it is lyrical, layered with tension and rhythm. In one sequence, he channels the pulse of street violence through percussive movement, the rhythm itself becoming a heartbeat of fear. These moments are made even more dynamic by Rajeer Alford’s live music, which grounds and amplifies Munir’s performance. Alford does not simply accompany the show; he steps into its world, becoming a responsive and playful partner in storytelling.

A deeply personal work

The show occasionally loses momentum in its transitions. Munir’s narration between scenes lacks the urgency and focus of his embodied work. He rightfully balances the show's tone between joyful anecdotes and heavier dramatic moments. Sometimes, transitioning between the two can be difficult.

In her director’s note, Amina Robinson writes about her deep connection with Munir, noting that “This show is very Philly. This show is very Black Philly.” That authenticity runs through every element of the piece. Rather than explaining South Philadelphia culture, 1 Pound 4 Ounces invites us inside it. We are not spectators but family.

The production’s sense of place and resilience is beautifully reinforced by Vic Gill-Gomez’s set design: plants growing through concrete, a metaphor for survival and rootedness. It is a simple but potent visual echo of Munir’s story, a reminder that life and beauty persist even in the hardest ground.

1 Pound 4 Ounces is a deeply personal work that becomes something collective: a portrait of a community, a tribute to Black artistry, and a love letter to Philadelphia itself.