Bernard Gilbert and Akron Lanier Watson. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Lance Baker. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Akron Lanier Watson and Bria Walker. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Bernard Gilbert. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Bernard Gilbert, Lance Baker and Akron Lanier Watson. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Bernard Gilbert and Akron Lanier Watson. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Akron Lanier Watson and Samuel Ray Gates. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Akron Lanier Watson and Bria Walker. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Samuel Ray Gates and Akron Lanier Watson. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Akron Lanier Watson. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

The Royale

by Marco Ramirez |
Directed by Stuart Carden

Running time: One hour, 15 minutes. Performed with no intermission.

The brutal rhythm of boxing underscores this brilliantly stylized drama. Rising black prizefighter Jay “The Sport” Jackson dominates his opponents, but the harsh social realities of the early 1900s force him to fight twice as hard to earn recognition outside of the ring. Loosely based on iconic fighter Jack Johnson, The Royale brings us ringside to one man’s quest for victory against all odds.

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Group Information

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Cast & Creative Staff

CAST:

  • Akron Lanier Watson (Jay Jackson)
  • Samuel Ray Gates (Wynton)
  • Lance Baker (Max)
  • Bernard Gilbert (Fish)
  • Bria Walker (Nina)
  • Maalik Shakoor (Ensemble)
  • Jarris Williams (Ensemble)

CREATIVE STAFF:

  • Stuart Carden (Director)
  • Brian Bembridge (Scenic and Lighting Designer)
  • Christine Pascual (Costume Designer)
  • Mikhail Fiksel (Sound Designer)
  • Stephanie Paul (Body Percussion & Movement Choreographer)
  • Shannon B. Sturgis (Stage Manager)

Enhance Your Experience

  • Read The Rep's Play Guide on The Royale for information on characters, the story and the play's real-life inspiration: legendary boxer Jack Johnson.
     
  • Check out the St. Louis County Library's curated resource list for The Royale. It includes books, music and movies about and inspired by the boxer Jack Johnson, as well as titles on boxing, Jim Crow and influential African Americans.