Pacharo Mzembe who stars in Prize Fighter. (Credit: Dylan Evans)
Winner of the 2014 Young African Australian Star Award for Excellence in the Arts, Congolese-Australian playwright Future D Fidel is all set to premiere his first full-length play next year, after extensive development at La Boite.
Prize Fighter is about a young boy who loses his family to rebels in the Congo and is then forced into becoming a child soldier. The story starts in the Congo and finishes in Australia, where he aims to be a champion boxer but his past does not let him.
‘These memories he has as a kid, he still remembers. And all the things that he had to do as a child soldier haunt him every time he boxes.
‘Being in the ring was like being in the war zone for him and he felt he was still that soldier and not the best boxer that he wanted to be,’ says Fidel.
Much of the play’s content comes from Fidel’s own experiences in Congo, where he grew up before being granted refuge in Australia, nine years ago.
‘Most of it has my personal experiences because before you can start to write about somebody else, you have to know about yourself first. In the play there is a lot of stuff that I went through,’ he adds.
Fidel is part of La Boite’s Artist-in-Residence programme for 2015 along with four other artists who will develop their work over a year-long residency with the guidance of Artistic Director Chris Kohn and professional artists at La Boite. Fidel believes it’s a great programmme that helps young writers to become better and polish their skills.
‘I mean, you can write a play but you can’t always get professionals who have been in the field for quite a while, to read it and give you some useful feedback,’ says Fidel.
Being at La Boite has been a privilege for Fidel especially with the premiere of his play due in its 90th year.
‘People at La Boite are lovely, every time I walk in I feel like I am home. It’s really a great experience being part of that family.
‘Every time there is a show I am always on the list. I feel special – it’s really a blessing.’
Prize Fighter will premiere at La Boite coproduced with Brisbane Festival in September next year. To book tickets click here.
