Review Fix chats with actor Dave Shelley about his performance in Reid Farrington’s “Tyson vs. Ali,†a gripping new production that brings the long thought about dream bout to the stage.
Review Fix: How did you feel the first time you read the script?
Dave Shelley: I have to admit that I only gave it a skim. I knew that the pages which are in a non-traditional play script format would change quite a bit over the course of Rehearsal. I felt I knew what we were getting in for from discussing with Reid what he was cooking up!
Review Fix: How did you prepare for the role?
Shelley: Like an athlete prepares. Films and Training. I was given a lot of material to sort through by Reid and Frank Boudreaux the writer. I studied a lot of the fight films for two reasons, to be able to contribute during the process and to get a handle on being the REF! Once we started filming I would review the tapes we made of every rehearsal to solidify my moves. Then of course there is the physical training. Gleason’s and gym, gym, gym, every day.
Review Fix: What was it like to work with Reid Farrington?
Shelley: I have been lucky enough over the last couple of years to be able to work with some outstanding artists, Matthew Barney, the Starn Brothers, and now Reid Farrington. These men share traits of leadership, clear vision, kindness and respect! They are both open to suggestions in this group format to create a piece. They are artists that you want to be better for.
Review Fix: For someone who hasn’t seen the production, how would you describe the multimedia aspect?
Shelley: It’s using today’s technology of video and audio backdrop to bring the past to the present and allow the audience to experience these events associated with Ali and Tyson. Echoes of another time and place.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite part of the production? Why?
Shelley: That backstage every night, Five men come together from various backgrounds and we knock out an incredible difficult new production that is alive with energy and sweat.
Review Fix: How do you want your performance to be remembered?
Shelley: As the front man, the glue that holds the piece together which enables four of the most committed athletic performers to create a dynamic, exciting night of theater.
Photo by Paula Court
For more information on the show, visit www.3ldnyc.org.
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