In Citadel Theatre’s newest production titled The Royale, playwright Marco Ramirez takes theatregoers into the boxing rings of 1905. Inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight world champion, Ramirez writes about the obstacles he faced in a racially segregated American society.
Family conflict and the repercussions are all on the line. If Johnson wins, he must struggle to come to terms with the true impact of his fight and the violence it may incite.
Actor Austin Eckert plays Jay “the Sport” Jackson, a determined boxer whose chances are slimmer than a knockout. Yet through all hurdles he faces, he keeps pushing to find a place in history and build a legacy.
Marco Ramirez is an accomplished writer/producer for television. He has been nominated for the Writers Guild of America and Emmy Awards for work including Sons of Anarchy, Orange is the New Black, Fear the Walking Dead, The Defenders and Daredevil.
Directed by André Sills, The Royale runs Feb. 4 to 19 at the Maclab Theatre, 9828 – 101A Ave. Visit citadeltheatre.com or call 780-425-1820.
