Boxeur ****

An assortment of boxing items awaits us at the Divadlo Inpirace, part of the 25^th international Prague Fringe: this is Boxeur.

Stefano Pietro Detassis interweaves the stories of two boxers from the first half of the twentieth century. Europe was ravaged by two World Wars and it is especially the rise of fascism that provides the backdrop to Pequod Compagnia’s production.

We meet the poverty-stricken Eugenio “Smit” Lorenzoni, brought up in northern Italy during Mussolini’s ascent to power. Fascism becomes a lightning conductor for the emboldened and entitled, forcing Eugenio to increasingly to stand his ground, at one point even fighting in a church. Eventually, he flees to Paris, although history recounts that this will prove to be a temporary reprieve from the dark forces. He finds work in a factory but his inability to communicate in French isolates him. In search of solace, he turns to boxing. When captured by the Nazis, he and his brother are sent on a death march. But the opportunity to escape arises...

In the opposite corner is Victor “Young” Perez. Born in Tunisia to a Sephardic Jewish family, Perez took up boxing and, when aged 17, travelled to Paris. In the 1930’s he enjoyed a successful career, becoming French and then World flyweight champion. However, Paris would prove to be a dangerous place for Jews after the Nazis invaded. Betrayed by an acquaintance, was transported to Auschwitz.

Detassis is a charismatic and engaging performer. He blends physical theatre, comedy, clowning and storytelling into a beautiful spectacle, at times bordering on poetic.

Pequod Compagnia are to be congratulated, this being their first production of Boxeur in English, which is no mean feat for a non-native speaker. The rhythm and cadence of the language very slightly wavered at moments, but most understandably; doubtless this will be smoothed and finessed over time.

The framing device centres around a highly anticipated boxing match between the two protagonists, taking place in 1946. And yet, history would suggest otherwise. In fact, there is a second narrative around Eugenio, which provided the production's outstanding emotional moment of theatrical drama.

Minor reservations aside, this is a charming and captivating performance themed around courage and survival; Detassis’ return to the international stage will be eagerly anticipated.