The Boxes – Dublin Fringe Festival – Review
by Brian Merriman

Created and performed by Yves Lorrhan & Inner Man Community
Duration: 60 minutes

Venue: Dublin Municipal Theatre @ Smock Alley
11 Sep, 18:15
12 Sep, 13:00 & 18:15

The concept of Fringe Theatre is changing. There is no way the high standard of theatre presented can be funded by a percentage of ticket sales, when the performance runs are so short.

So, is Fringe now dependent on grants, partners and collaboration, in order to become the final destination for theatre companies, rather than the innovative springboard it used to be, especially for new and emerging artistic voices?

The professionalisation of the Dublin Fringe means venues are so much better than the eccentric fit-up spaces of years ago. The standards of many productions are now mainstream, and there is nothing traditionally “fringe” about them. That is joy and good value for the customer, but where is the risk-taking and the first opportunity that was the heartbeat of stepping stone Fringe theatre?

There is nothing left to chance in The Boxes. This is a skilled professional company, using the great diverse ethnic ancestry that so many Brazilian people share. We meet seven men of various shapes and sizes working on an assembly line, shifting boxes. There is harmony and camaraderie in the workplace.

During the work break, we get to know them, their inner selves. The masculine, feminine, leaders, followers, vulnerable, strong, the different, as we begin to disassemble the assembly line and see the real men behind the workplace colleagues under the creative direction and execution of Yves Lorrhan & Inner Man Community.

There is a rhythmic soundtrack, and we go from workplace banter, army cadets, relationships, to a stark examination of the impact of toxic masculinity on the lives of women and “different” men. There are roles and fluidity, and all blend into a tapestry of what can be part of masculinity today.

Perhaps the short run of four performances is just a showcase for a longer run? The care in the production values and the expense of all the artists working in this impressive production cannot be met at the end of this very short run. I look forward to hearing of more dates for this thought-provoking, reassuring and well-presented piece of dance theatre. The Brazilian community flocked to the performance, making the Fringe programme truly inclusive while showcasing an artistic work of merit.

Cast and Crew

Performed by: Yves Lorrhan, ⁠Lino Bento, Marcelo Galvão, Francisco Feitosa, Victor Ferreira, ⁠⁠Arthur Marques, William Alexandre
Rehearsal Director: Justine Doswell
Dramaturgy Director: Esosa Ighodaro
Creative Producer: Karen Aguiar
Lighting Designer:  Lucas Paranhos
Music & Sound Design: Mick Donohoe
Set Design: Bruna Alves, Iris Ferraz
Costume: Julia França
Production Support: Vanesa Abramovich
Stage Manager: Alison O’Shea