Prize Fighter began with a simple coffee catch-up with Chris Kohn. I thought I was just sharing my personal story about growing up in a war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. But as I spoke, Chris was already imagining how this story could come to life on stage. He was deeply compelled by it, and soon after, he invited La Boite’s then-Artistic Director, David Berthold, to another coffee meeting. There, I retold the same story, this time under more curious and probing eyes.
Frankly, I didn’t have all the answers to the questions they were asking me—questions like, “Why boxing? Why not swimming?” At the time, I wasn’t sure. Now, I sometimes wonder what the show might have looked like if it had been about swimming instead. But boxing—it was raw, it was real, and it was right.
Chris and David didn’t hesitate. They offered me a place in La Boite’s very first Playwright in Residence program. I had little to no writing experience, but I knew one thing: the story had to be told. I carried that story in every inch of my body. Backing down wasn’t an option.
Over three years of development, we took the script from 80 pages down to 50. I still believe we cut some great material—but what remained was enough. It conveyed exactly what I needed it to. It was honest, it was powerful, and it was mine.
Ten years ago, Prize Fighter had its world premiere on this very stage. It launched alongside one of Queensland’s most iconic festivals and opened to an audience that left with a mix of emotions. Some said, “It’s the best show I’ve seen in a long time.” Others found the timeline confusing at first, but said that once it clicked, everything fell into place.
Our Brisbane audience helped the show find its footing—and its heart. It went on to make its mark at major festivals across the country. It’s inspired writers, actors, and filmmakers. And tonight, I’m proud to be sitting in the audience once again, listening to the story that started with a simple coffee, but became so much more.
Future D. Fidel, Playwright
La Boite Encores | Prize Fighter
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF OPENING NIGHTS AND OPENING MINDS
