★★★☆

Future D. Fidel’s narrativisation of his own childhood displacement is a profound and impactful story that makes a bold statement as Belvoir’s first production for the year.

Congolese refugee Isa Alaki (Pacharo Mzembe), AKA Steve ‘The Killer’, is prepping for his biggest boxing match yet, to win the title of Australian Light Heavyweight Champion. But his greatest test is his battle with his own past, having witnessed war as a child soldier, and with his future, desperately searching for his long-lost brother.

Prize Fighter’s restlessness is twofold – firstly, it stems from textual choices by Congolese-born playwright Fidel that frame Isa’s painful youth as flashbacks, occurring to him as jabs of memory unleashed by the fists of his opponents. Secondly, La Boite Theatre Company director Todd MacDonald’s decision to frame these flashbacks through simple light transitions is clear, but jarring. If the technique is flawed, it’s not down to the actors, who leap expertly between states, characters and accents.

It’s all stakes, all the time; an intense and visceral experience only added to by the impressive physicality of the performers, who are working out long before the audience steps in. But it all feels so heightened that some of the most traumatising moments are lost in the maelstrom. The grounding element is the palpable vibe of a genuine boxing match – the fights feel as real as the sweat flinging from the boxers’ bodies onto the front row. Because of the sheer effort of combat, it’s all over in a mere 65 minutes; tight and to the point.

Those bodies deserve a second mention, as they’re remarkably uncommon to Sydney stages – imposing, powerful and proudly black. Gideon Mzembe, brother to Pacharo, is the play’s most commanding presence, and no wonder – he’s a former rugby league player. To hear Swahili spoken in Belvoir’s Upstairs Theatre, and to see Fidel brought on to a standing ovation, is a rare treat indeed.

The man of the match is undoubtedly Thuso Lekwape, whose accent work and uncompromising approach are mesmerising. As Kadogo, child soldier and ‘protector’ to the freshly recruited Isa, Lekwape captures the playfulness, menace and horror of his deeply conflicted character. Zindzi Okenyo and Margi Brown-Ash, naturally, offer further evidence of their well-earned place on our theatre main stages.

Fidel hits hard and doesn’t stop hitting, piling blow after blow on his protagonist and his audience. If you can handle just a few rounds, his story is well worth your time.

Photo: Brett Boardman

Prize Fighterwas reviewed at Belvoir St Theatre on Saturday January 7 as part of Sydney Festival 2017.

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