One of the most innovative ideas in recent years has been the rise of site specific theatre. Take an audience out of cosy seats immediately creates an element of unease, anticipation and the feeling that you are part of an event.
Broken Souls opening production is an adventurous revival of James Gaddas piece "Shadow Boxing" which has appeared previously at the Edinburgh festival. The audience are coached from Chapter Arts Centre to Llanrumney Boxing club with a video of the classic fight between Micky Ward and Alturo Gatti playing which certainly got us in the pugilistic mood.
Having been warned not to step inside the ring or stand behind a punch bag we were free to wander around the gym whilst Alex Harries burst in and tells his story. He is Flynn a talented boxer whose rise to the top is floored ( apologies for the pun) by a personal secret ( which came as a real surprise to me).
A good night at the theatre probably needs two of the three following, good acting, good writing and good production values. When you have all 3 you can feel very fortunate indeed which is what everyone who embarked on the journey felt. James Gaddas's script is tight and involving ( which you would expect from an actor) and impressively poetic.
This, however, is a play which solely revolves around the actor. This is no holds barred, in your face acting (literally). The actor has to be physically fit as we watch sweat pour off him as he unveils his punishing training regime. He must also be totally focussed as he weaves around the audience and trust me there are few more terrifying moments than when he talks directly in your face and makes unremitting eye contact with you. Fortunately, Alex Harries possesses all these attributes (including astonishing breath control) and made the complex Flynn come alive.
This is the joy of site specific theatre. When it works ( and it doesn't always) it gives you a personal connection with the actor and character you cannot re-create in the theatre.For a first production this was enthralling, innovative and a (literally) breathtaking show. Congratulations to all concerned.
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