I'm Your Man

Created and directed by Roslyn Oades, I'm Your Man is the final instalment in her headphone verbatim trilogy exploring acts of courage within specific sociopolitical struggles. I'm Your Man is specific to boxing, looking into the motivations and psychology of professional fighters. The wheels are in motion from the moment doors open, with the troupe of five actors skipping, sparring and lifting weights as patrons enter the theatre. This gym setting is utilised for the duration of the performance. Structured as a series of monologues, the characters address an unheard voice coming from their headphones, who is interviewing them about their experiences as a boxer. Oades' long-term collaborator Michael Mohammed Ahmad stars as the central character, Billy 'The Kid' Dib, who has his sights set on becoming world champion. For him, it's all about fame, outwitting your opponent and getting into “that zone”, while the characters around him have differing motivations; be it protection, ego, or the sheer will to fight. Lighting and audio effects are subtle throughout, yet provide some of the more dramatic moments – the final scene has The Kid standing in a lit-up ring as the surrounding lights completely blackout, accompanied by an audio grab of a roaring crowd, and is particularly powerful. I'm Your Man is a revealing and engaging piece of theatre.