Writers Theatre stages 90-minute play on Jack Johnson's rise

Writers Theatre is presenting a 90-minute production of The Royale, a fictionalized account of Jack Johnson, the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion. The play, written by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips, opens this week and runs through November 29. The performance schedule includes matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, with evening shows most nights. Ticket prices range from $35 to $95.

The narrative is set at the turn of the 20th century. The story follows Jay, a legendary prizefighter, and Fish, an ambitious young protégé, on the eve of Fish's major debut. Coach Wynton and manager Max hype the two combatants. The production strips the narrative down to minimal elements. The sole set piece is a punching bag designed by Lauren M. Nichols. This visual choice keeps the audience grounded in the reality of an era when lynching was common.

The cast brings specific energy to the roles. La’Tevin Alexander portrays Jay, carrying the weight of his status. Ajax Dontavius plays Fish, a character hungry for a big break. James Vincent Meredith portrays Wynton, grounding the production. Scott Aiello plays Max, adding dynamic movement. AnJi White plays Nina, Jay’s sister, whose character evolves from prim appearance to formidable nature.

The characters serve as composites of historical figures and social forces. Wynton embodies Johnson’s old boss Walter Lewis and acts as a father figure. Max represents the bookers and managers Johnson worked with, serving as a stand-in for white allies. Jay and Fish embody different ages of Johnson himself. Nina represents the collective fears and realities of Black families under Jim Crow. Any deviation from social norms could trigger violence for the entire community.

Jack Johnson was a swaggering figure in Jim Crow America. He enjoyed fancy clothes, cars, and a public presence that defied the era's norms. He was a pride for Black America but also a target due to his relationships with white women. These relationships fueled hysterical claims of white slavery. The White-Slave Traffic Act, better known as the Mann Act, made transporting women across state lines for immoral purposes illegal, even with consent.

Johnson was eventually charged under this act for crossing state lines with his wife. He fled the country to avoid prison. Ramirez’s play touches lightly on this seedy drama. The director chooses an austere storytelling approach. The title alludes to the dark cast of history found in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man. The play uses non-European storytelling traditions that do not always end with a redemptive arc.

Rasell Holt provides movement direction for the cast. The choreography includes stepping, a tradition from Black fraternities and African dance. The cast uses intentional clapping that echoes African talking drums. These percussive elements combine with text that references jazz. The movement and sound create subtextual communication that sounds jolly on the surface but requires caution to interpret.

The play features recurring motifs. James J. Jeffries, Johnson’s final opponent, is referred to as the Great White Hope. This title haunts the story with rhythmic clapping. The audience is left with questions after the performance. The production offers a view of the high price of extraordinary success in a restrictive society.

The Royale is currently playing at Writers Theatre, located at 325 Tudor Ct. in Glencoe. Shows run on Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. There is an additional 2 p.m. show on Friday, November 27. A 7:30 p.m. show is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4. A 2 p.m. show will occur on Sunday, November 15. There is no show on Thursday, November 26. ASL interpretation is available for the 2 p.m. show on Saturday, November 14. Open captions are available for the 7:30 p.m. show on Thursday, November 19. For more information, visit writerstheatre.org or call 847-242-6000.