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The Royale
‘Ain’t about bein’ no Heavyweight Champion of the White World. It’s about bein’ Champion, period.’
Jay ‘The Sport’ Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905 and, in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out.
When a boxing promoter hatches a plan for the ‘Fight of theCentury’, The Sport might land a place in the ring with the reigning white heavyweight champion, but at what cost? It’s not just a retired champ he’s facing, it’s ‘The Great White Hope’.
In daring to realise his dream, is Jay responsible for putting African American lives in the danger zone? Told in six rounds and set in a boxing ring, The Royale is inspired by the often overlooked story of Jack Johnson, a boxer who – at the height of the Jim Crow era – became the most famous and the most notorious black man on Earth.
Jay ‘The Sport’ Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905 and, in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out.
When a boxing promoter hatches a plan for the ‘Fight of theCentury’, The Sport might land a place in the ring with the reigning white heavyweight champion, but at what cost? It’s not just a retired champ he’s facing, it’s ‘The Great White Hope’.
In daring to realise his dream, is Jay responsible for putting African American lives in the danger zone? Told in six rounds and set in a boxing ring, The Royale is inspired by the often overlooked story of Jack Johnson, a boxer who – at the height of the Jim Crow era – became the most famous and the most notorious black man on Earth.
144 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 8, 2024
Wow, what a script! I hope to work on this show someday.
November 5, 2018
Fantastically written. I had the privilege of being a part of a production of The Royale at my university and it was both rewarding and emotionally trying (in a good way). This play is wonderfully complex and the timing is superb. If you get a chance, definitely go see it.
March 11, 2025
Holy smokes! This has so much energy and potential! The fight scenes are exhilarating and getting to hear inner thoughts and dialogue as the fights ensue create so much tension and excitement. This story really touches on the silent oppression that black success creates and paints a beautiful picture of the relationship Jay has towards his goals. The last scene is so powerful and expectations were totally flipped!
November 4, 2020
2.5 stars. Nothing really memorable about this play. Compared to the other ones I’ve read for my class, this one’s message just didn’t come across strong enough.
March 26, 2021
A great story and told so interestingly!
March 17, 2025
That was electric!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews