Inspired by the life story of Jack Johnson, the world’s first Black heavyweight world champion, The Royale brings all the drama of the boxing ring to The Citadel’s Maclab Theatre. Written by American playwright Marco Ramirez and directed by André Sills, this show follows Jay “The Sport” Jackson (Austin Eckert) as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career against reigning white heavyweight champion Bernard Bixby. But his dreams come at a cost, especially in the racially segregated boxing world of 1905.
Just like Jackson, The Royale is bold, energized, and skillful. High tension moments in the ring are brought to life by immaculate movement choreography (Shakeil Rollock) and electric sound and lighting design (Dave Clarke and Steve Lucas). Plus, repeated claps and stomps give these scenes a special type of rhythm. The Sport dodges jabs from unlikely newcomer Fish (Mohamed Ahmed), then skillfully sidesteps probing questions about his background and racist comments on his “natural aggression” in the press room. In one particularly memorable moment, these two arenas collide through brilliant staging, as Jackson’s trainer Wynton (Alexander Thomas) coaches him through both situations. It’s in the press room that Jackson learns about white men smuggling handguns into his fights. The casual racism of earlier encounters suddenly takes on a heavier weight, as audiences begin to fully understand the significance of what this fight–and Jackson’s likely victory–will mean.
These moments of drama are counterbalanced by striking moments of stillness. At the show’s halfway point and moments before the fated fight, Jay “The Sport” Jackson is on stage alone. He removes his jacket, steps downstage, and begins to meticulously wrap his hands. There’s no sound, no dialogue. With everything else stripped away, audiences see the pressure of the upcoming fight, which Eckert brilliantly conveys through his physicality. Jameela McNeil, who portrays Jackson’s sister Nina, also deserves special mention. She enters in the latter half of the show to further underscore the danger of racist retaliation from white society, as she worries about harm to both her brother and her family. Eckert and McNeil skillfully play off each-other in this scene, circling each other in the emotional ring.
At the end of the day, one thing is certain: The Royale is a knockout. With expert acting, direction, and staging, every moment in this show hits its mark. Run, don’t walk, to see it.
The Royale is on at The Citadel Theatre until February 19. Get your tickets here.
