Rematch, which recreates iconic sporting moments through immersive theatrical events, is set to return in 2023 with a performance of 1974’s ‘Rumble in the Jungle’.
The event is set to showcase the impact of sport on wider culture, while also re-telling the story of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s iconic boxing match in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo).
It will also highlight the Zaire ’74 music festival that featured artists such as James Brown, Bill Withers and Sister Sledge, which acted as a promotional event for the fight.
The event will incorporate multi-sensory experiences such as immersive theatre, audio-visual media, archive footage, music of the era and themed food and drink. The re-created Rumble in the Jungle event will evoke the sights and sounds of 1974 in Zaire, which saw Ali stun the world with his knockout win over Foreman.
The new show will be the first post-pandemic production for Rematch, following on from its ‘Wimbledon Rematch 1980’ event in 2019, which was in partnership with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC).
It celebrated another iconic sporting moment in the form of the 1980 Championship which featured Yvonne Goolagong as the first mother to win the women’s tournament and the clash between Björn Borg and John McEnroe.
Rumble in the Jungle will be the first production to benefit from new investment, after a recently closed seed round raise just under £2m ($2.4m/€2.4m) to help develop the Web3 side of the business and the ambition to tour productions.
On the return of Rematch, founder Richard Ayers, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing Rematch back to audiences for 2023, there is no better story to tell than the truly iconic tale of the Rumble in the Jungle. Following the success of Wimbledon Rematch 1980, we can’t wait to once again transport audiences to a unique moment in time which celebrates the greatest moments in sporting history.
“Rematch is a world first in sports entertainment, providing immersive experiences that draw on the cultural power of sporting nostalgia. Our mission is to connect and inspire generations of families with the greatest stories in sport, and thanks to the substantial backing of our investors, our post-pandemic comeback will deliver a knockout experience.”
Rematch investor and Sport by Fort founder Ricardo Fort added: “Rumble in the Jungle was an event that not only changed the course of boxing history, but was a cultural moment that captivated the world. Rematch’s incredible concept means that we can bring such moments back to life again for new generations. As a lover of sport, the opportunity to be involved was hugely exciting, and one that couldn’t be passed. Roll on February 2023.”
Image: Courtesy of Rematch