There he was subjected to a torrent of racial abuse, punishing drills and beatings, but it was still preferable to his home life.

Ashanti plays 23 different characters to tell his life story without the use of costumes or an elaborate set. His only prop is a single chair.

The language at the beginning of the show is confronting and explicit, and quite shocking to hear the use of the N word; a brutal introduction into the world of black Americans.

However, this is necessary to depict the military culture and Ashanti's home life, but thankfully didn't permeate the entire show.

We follow Ashanti through his military career where he auditions for and is accepted in to the US Air Force's elite performance troupe, Tops in Blue.

Many of the characters we meet along the way, we have seen many times before: the thuggish drill sergeant, the bullied recruit, the camp theatrical performer.

But it is the portrayal of the black American characters that I think will be most intriguing to an Australian audience. The characters speak to each other with an uncomfortable mix of black pride and shame, peppered with racial terms.

The character Uncle Tony is funny and lovable despite the huge chip on his shoulder. He even insists on things being written down with a black pen.

We also get an understanding of how important the military is in the lives of black Americans. Despite the hardships, it is one way where black families can succeed.

But let's not get too serious here. Basic Training is very funny, with the characterisations, dance routines and even a spate of "yo mamma" jokes.

We are taken on a journey from boot camp to Las Vegas and the Middle East. Along the way, Ashanti creates a new family of Air Force buddies and repairs the damage to his own family, inspired by a little girl he meets along the way.

Ashanti commands the stage for one hour and ten minutes in a lively and very physical performance, changing seamlessly from one character to another to tell a warm, funny and life-affirming story.

There were a few fluffed lines on opening night in Wollongong but not enough to detract from the performance.

Basic Training was a hit in Edinburgh in 2007. Its Australian season starts in Wollongong before touring Darwin, Cairns, NSW and Victoria.

BASIC TRAINING

Written and performed by Kahlil Ashanti

Until June 6

Illawarra Performing Arts Centre