"Gloves On. That's the moment. That's when it's gonna happen."
Steve Martin, Ex-Boxer
Set in a floodlit boxing ring, this physical performance investigates
the intricacies of courage and honour, ritual and spectatorship. The show explores
boxing and its place in British psyche, conveying the emotional, physical and
psychological challenge of a boxer’s experience.
In front of a fairground style façade a barker whips up
the crowd and introduces his fighters for the evening’s spectacle.The
audience are invited to take the side of the champion or challenger as the boxers
display their pugilistic prowess.
Stories of boxers and their families collide in the ring to a pumping soundtrack
with live rapping, against a backdrop of urban art. The visceral atmosphere
progresses from arcane funfair to the contemporary; pounding break-beats fill
the space as the fighters enter the ring to the raucous delight of the crowd.
The battle commences...
Which side will you take?
Gloves On will transform outdoor spaces to reflect the intense and visceral
atmosphere of boxing clubs.
In 2009 Ragroof presented two work in progress performances, site-specific to local boxing clubs. This process greatly influenced the development of Gloves On.
As part of the creation of the show for 2010 Ragroof will continue the community outreach aspect of their creative process; researching, interviewing and archiving legacy material. In the lead up to the tour, the company will work with local boxing clubs with the object of involving young, local boxers in a performance of Gloves On in their community.
To see 2010 tour dates for Gloves On click here.
To make a tour booking enquiry or request a DVD and information pack click here or ring 01273 699733.
Gloves On is supported by:
