Sydney Arts Guide Review



Naji Trad gives an impressive, powerful performance. I spoke briefly to Trad after the show and he told me that he had, for the last six months, spent plenty of time working out at the gym. It definitely showed, with him not only playing the part well, but very much looking the part.

Many will no doubt remember Robert DeNiro’s method style Academy Award winning role as the great boxer Jake LaMotta, where he also trained a lot to build up his physique as well as honing his legendary acting skills.

Clearly, the appeal of boxing extends well further than the boxing ring to the theatrical and cinematic worlds.

Naji's journey through the program has been one of grit and relentless work ethic. While many stumble or slow down, he stayed in, he showed up, he did the hard work, he fought through the plateaus, and he kept improving. That persistance had led him to a momet no other graduate in the school's history has attempted: a full-length, one-man performance of the play "Shadow Boxing"

- The Actors Pulse