Bitch Boxer

In a set of a boxing ring that makes up a large portion of the playing space (design by Hazel Low), Chloe's father is a constant presence. Even the punching bag is made of old shirts, reminders of him. In moments of direction, when Chloe is pacing the ring, ready for a fight, drinking water while eyeing the other place, or entering a cool-down by taking a seat, I cannot help but cast my eye to this punching bag. Prime Isaac uses these quiet moments, usually reserved for the boxer alone, and instead opens the door for the audience to see the quiet and complex moments. The mental gymnastics when our fighter wants to tell us their story, no matter the pain. I'm no fighter myself, but my more athletic friends tell me that a fight or a run is as much a mental battle as it is a physical toll on the body. What Isaac has managed to do is really present that as a piece of performance.

Josephine's writing is comedic, witty and deeply relatable, even if you have never picked up a boxing glove in your life. We have all locked ourselves out of the house before. Many of us have felt grief, and maybe we have even wanted an impossible dream. However, none of us are Chloe, which is the best part. Not all of us are Olympic athletes, and for me, anyway, this might be the best opportunity to understand the mindset and battle between the sport and the life that surrounds it.