The Pugilist
(Directed by Bob Pierce)
Barry is a tired boxer slipping towards retirement but still caught up in the trappings of success. Goffa is his second (his corner man) and his confidante. Through his childlike innocence, Goffa is the only one who sees Barry for who he really is.
The Pugilist is a simple story about the trials of boxing and life told with aching humour and compassion through one bucket, mop and man.
Statement:
“When I first worked on the piece I wanted to adapt Jack London’s ‘A piece of steak’, a beautiful story about an ageing boxer and the complexities of age verses youth. I decided to collaborate with Faulty Optic a puppetry company. I wanted to use traditional story telling and puppetry. I loved the idea but it would prove hard to realise as I had little skill as a puppeteer.
I went into the studio at the Battersea Arts Centre under the guidance of Tom Morris and directed by Bob Pearce. This turned out to be a great partnership; we started from scratch and created the story of the rise and fall of Sweet Boy Barry. I like this piece because I get to do a little stand up comedy and it’s a fun play to play.
The only pieces of set are three tables sat on their ends and tied together. This acts as a wall and the canvas of the ring. Working with Bob helped me pull out some beautiful images and a simple story with a simple massage, ‘in all your success, don’t forget who you are’.”
“ I looked for him everywhere and I took a right and he was right there, right in front of me, like right here right now, with a knife in his right hand, I was like right then lets have it.”
