Samuel Addison delivers a one, two punch and wins a knockout with this new production of Shadow Boxing at Marrickville’s Flight Path Theatre. Addison plays Flynn, an up and coming boxer who is trying to emulate this father’s career, and ultimately, to exceed it.
Constantly on the move, shadow boxing, running, skipping and feigning blows, Addison’s performance in this 55-minute physical and mental tour de force is exhausting to watch, all the while taking in his inner journey as his sexuality also evolves in this hyper-masculine world.
Over the duration of the play Addison also gives voice to an astonishing 15 characters, while bringing to each a wonderfully nuanced reality within the text as Flynn’s trajectory rises. That is until he finds that an attraction to other men, which he pursues with the intensity of his boxing career.
We seamlessly follow Flynn from the boxing arena to that of nightclubs and beats in an era when little was known about AIDS, or how it was acquired.
Written by James Gaddas in 1989, there is a sub-text here about the blood rule, which impacted every contact sport in the day, where any broken skin meant that players were sent from the field.
It is also a lonely journey that Flynn faces, as he grapples whether to declare his sexuality or not; a situation that has not changed much in the ensuing 35 years since the play was written.
Set on a black stage with an object representing a part of Flynn’s journey anchoring each corner, the stark lighting (Christian Lovelady) and minimal soundtrack (Bec Price) only helps to put the focus on Addison’s performance, which does not falter.
Direction by Teresa Izzard is tight, as she weaves Addison between rapidly changing roles and keeps the focus on forward trajectory. Her added role as movement director cannot be underestimated as Addison is never left with any doubts as to where his next move is leading to.
First performed at the Stables Theatre in 1994, seeing this First Feet production in the intimate Flight Path Theatre is a treat as we get to see Addison deliver a solo work that does not shy away from its exploration of masculinity, violence and sexuality where he fights for survival on all fronts.
Shadow Boxing is a gritty play with a big heart that packs a lot of punch as it moves its way through so many facets of society that still resonate today.
Shadow Boxing
Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
Performance: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Season continues to 11 October 2025
Information and Bookings: www.flightpaththeatre.org
Image: Samuel Addison stars in Shadow Boxing – photo by Hannah Jennings
Review: John Moyle