Muhammad Ali’s audacious victory over George Foreman in the 1974 Kinshasa bout, where he regained the world heavyweight title, sets the stage for a captivating night of immersive theatre. Written by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu and directed by Miguel H Torres Umba, this production transforms a London warehouse into the heart of Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo), allowing the audience to become part of the vibrant world created within.
The charismatic David Frost, portrayed by Timothy O’Hara, welcomes the audience with his signature wit, while the tantalizing aroma of Congolese cuisine and the rhythmic sounds of soukous fill the air. In the midst of it all, Ali entertains the locals with his boldness and quick wit. Elliot Rodriguez delivers a captivating performance as the promoter Don King, exuding both charm and menace as he supports Foreman, the reigning champion.
Throughout the production, press conferences and sparring sessions take place in various locations, allowing the audience to freely explore, enjoy refreshments, and interact with the characters. The narrative takes a turn when Foreman sustains a cut eye during sparring, mirroring the events of 1974. The Rumble in the Jungle, as dubbed by King, becomes the first world heavyweight title fight held in Africa. It is postponed for five weeks, and during this time a thrilling 25-minute concert captivates the audience. Guy Kelton-Jones delivers a phenomenal portrayal of James Brown, accompanied by Anelisa Lamola as Miriam Makeba and Juanita Euka as Celia Cruz.
Joshua C Jackson skillfully portrays Foreman’s confusion, while the fight itself is enhanced by grainy archive footage playing behind the actors. As they demonstrate Ali’s legendary “rope-a-dope” strategy, the audience is mesmerized. After seven rounds of stoically remaining on the ropes, Ali emerges victorious, stunning Foreman and the world.
Kimane Juneau takes on the formidable task of portraying the iconic Ali. Although he may never fully capture Ali’s essence, Juneau’s performance brings a likable quality to the character. A tender moment unfolds as a few lucky individuals are invited into Ali’s dressing room before the fight. Here, a serene Ali offers solace to his nervous trainer, Angelo Dundee, and the usually exuberant cheerleader, Bundini Brown.
The production concludes with a poignant image of Ali, showcasing the toll his career took on his physical appearance. Nevertheless, Ali famously stated that he would change nothing, cherishing nights like the Rumble in the Jungle.
Boxing, with its potent mix of spectacle and intensity, lends itself well to immersive theatre. However, garnering a sizable audience for this unique blend of sport and performance can be challenging. While previous performances have drawn large crowds, tonight’s turnout is modest, making it difficult for the actors to sustain an electric atmosphere. In a vibrant arena filled to the brim, this production has the potential to become an unparalleled immersive experience. It only needs Don King’s flair to spread the word and ignite the boxing frenzy.
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