Sports aren’t exactly my ministry. When I read that Marco Ramirez’s, The Royale, is based on the story of Jack Johnson, the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the world, let’s just say my heart didn’t exactly leap with excitement.
But let me tell you! What’s going on at The Lincoln Center is way more than a boxing match. It’s a heart breaking pursuit of passion with opponents greater than any title that could be won.
The play starts with Jay Jackson (Kris Davis) and Fish (McKinley Belcher III) fighting– the first look into the brilliance of Rachel Chavkin’s direction, and my first gaze into the beauty and physique of black men practicing the art of boxing. #PRAISEHIM
For most of the story four men are on stage. The way they maneuver around the minimalistic set is like a dance. The way they use their hands to clap time forward is a song. Fish is the lovable sparing partner turned friend. Max (John Lavelle) is a charismatic promoter with good intentions, and a point of view that’s often put to the test. Wynton (Clarke Peters) is the loyal and tough loving trainer that gets Jay to the height of success. And then there’s Nina.
Time stands still when Nina (Montego Glover), Jay’s sister, pulls up to the scene. Her character adds another dimension to the story. It’s chilling. It becomes the conscience that widens our eyes that this story was never just about a title.
I laughed. I cried. I reflected.
This is the story of a man striving to be the best. The story of someone who never leaves his family behind. The story of someone who wanted to see the world as technicolor, but faced the reality that sometimes it comes down to black and white. A story of cause and effect. The struggle of landing one jab and shuffling one step back into our corner.
It is rhythmic. It is theatrical. It is a fresh take on story telling. Truly a must see.
The Royale opens on March 7, 2016. Catch this seasons’ most significant match through May 1, 2016. In the meantime, check out the Schomberg Talks discussion moderated by Founder & Editorial Director, Andrew Shade. For more info and to purchase tickets click here.
