Online Theatre | Prodigal Theatre: The Fight

'Friends, have you ever seen a fight? If not, you have a pleasure to come...'

This winter marks the 200 year anniversary of William Hazlitt publishing his classic essay 'The Fight' - a rip roaring ride into the belly of Georgian bloodsport that inspired a genre of journalism and stands as one of the great pieces of prose writing. But what has changed?

In 1821 England had won a protracted conflict with Europe, but struggled to win the peace. The rich were getting richer and the poor still starved. Disease stalked the land whilst protest was suppressed, and everywhere; nationalism was on the rise. A population caught between the promises of politicians and the harsh reality of economics sought much needed escape in spectacle... sound familiar?

Blending boxing with Hazlitt's wit; texts contemporary and classic, performance parkour, song, and the sweet science of defence - Prodigal set out to discover if - two centuries on - our sporting rivalries remain as tied to our national identities as ever.

'Whatever Prodigal does is worth seeing.' The Irish Independent