PLAY PACKS A POWERFUL PUNCH

After fleeing the Congo, playwright Future D Fidel spent eight years in a Tanzanian refugee camp and has drawn on this experience for his latest play Prize Fighter.

Following smash hit seasons at Brisbane and Sydney Festival, Prize Fighter is on a national three-month tour arriving to the Geelong Performing Arts Centre on October 3.

The Helpmann-nominated, La Boite Theatre and Brisbane Festival production, which The Australian describes as “The most perfectly structured, brilliantly produced and best acted new play”, explores the traumatic experiences of Mr Fidel and those around him.

“In this inventive and physical production, the theatre becomes a boxing ring. Isa is a young Congolese boxer blazing an impressive career between the ropes,” he said.

“Gearing up for the national title fight, he soon discovers it is not just his opponents he has to outdo, but the demons from his tortuous past as a boy soldier.”

Mr Fidel, who was granted refugee status in Australia, said hundreds of child soldiers are created from warring in Congo and this play explores his personal experiences and the trauma from losing family.

“The reason of the story is not to give you statistics but to outline the reality of what is not being shown, through the power of boxing,” he said.

“Defeating your opponent needs strategies but defeating your memories requires more than just that. Regardless of who or what your opponent is, everyone is a Prize Fighter.”

The Deakin University Theatre Season’s latest production opens in the Drama Theatre on Wednesday October for five performances, tickets are $58 or less, book at Box Office on 5225 1200 or gpac.org.au.