THERE IS to be a very special edition of The Rumble in the Jungle production which features the boxing clash between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

The ‘Black Out’ night is described as the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss and event in the performing arts,  film, athletic, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze.” 

The concept was originated by Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play, Daddy), the very first ‘Black Out’ took place in 2019, for a performance of Slave Play on Broadway in New York. This initiative was then brought to London for Daddy at The Almeida, and has had repeated success at Lyric Hammersmith for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and at Stratford East for Tambo and Bones.  

The Rumble in the Jungle represented a hugely important moment in Black history. The fight was much more than a boxing match; it was one of the first major sporting events to be hosted in Africa, organised by Don King, with a record amount of prize money going to the two fighters, the undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Foreman and Ali.  Ali’s outspokenness on issues of race and politics, and his subsequent win, became a triumph for Black people all across the globe. 

The 3-day music festival which accompanied the fight, Zaire ‘74, showcased incredible Black artists from across the globe. Among the legendary performers was Miriam Makeba who’s work as a civil rights activist is embedded in the history of South Africa’s abolishment of apartheid. 

The fight was held only 14 years after Congo’s independence from Belgium colonial rule, and was a time of pride and celebration, with the whole world’s eyes turned to watch this historic event in Kinshasa, becoming the world’s most-watched live television broadcast at the time. 

To continue the legacy of Ali and to celebrate the historical and cultural significance of the Rumble, Rematch will be hosting the ‘Black Out’ night of Rumble In The Jungle Rematch on Thursday 30th November. 

Whilst Rumble in the Jungle Rematch performances are already proud to welcome a diverse audience, this performance will be a special evening to welcome Black identifying audiences to experience the show. The intention is to create an opportunity for Black people to explore and discuss the themes and issues the show raises within a safe space – as well as celebrating Black excellence and culture. 

Although this one-off performance is intended for a Black audience, no one will be excluded from the show. However, Rematch do ask that non-Black identifying people respect the intention of this performance and consider attending a performance on another date. 

Fusing theatre, sport and technology – and taking immersive experiences in a whole new direction – Rumble in the Jungle Rematch launched in London in September and recently extended its run through to 9th December. 

Widely considered to be ‘The Greatest Sporting event of the 20th Century’ the Ali v Foreman heavyweight championship boxing match is the stuff of legend, and this live immersive event recreates all the sights, sounds and festival atmosphere that surrounded this zeitgeist-capturing event. The event offers a fresh view from the Congolese perspective, as well as through the lens and scrutiny of  the Western media.

Following the footsteps of  Ali and Foreman, the cast of characters, including David Frost who reported on the match, legendary boxing promoter King (who was as much about show business as boxing), circulates amongst the audience as the story unfurls;  from the intense media attention and press conferences, to sparring sessions with the boxers and the actual fight itself.

There is a riot of music with the Zaire ‘74 festival, which saw the biggest global acts in black music including; James Brown, BB King, Bill Withers, Sister Sledge, Miriam Makeba and Celia Cruz and a slew of Latin America’s best.

The second event by immersive event producers Rematch, following their recreation of the famous Borg v McEnroe Wimbledon final of 1980, Rumble in the Jungle Rematch, is a roller coaster experience that takes you into intimate dressing rooms and onto the global stage, from the pre-match trash talking to the step-by-step play-out of the fight, and everywhere in between. 

Rematch has developed the show together with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) in partnership with Lonnie Ali as trustee of the Muhammad Ali Family Trust’s (MAFT) own Muhammad Ali Enterprises.

Tickets from rumblerematch.com