The Royale

A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

The Royale

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 4m

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 crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of the century,” “The Sport” just might land a place in the ring with the reigning white heavyweight champion.

Image: 2016 Milwaukee Repertory Theater Production (Michael Brosilow)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 4m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
Through the sights and sounds of the early 20th century boxing circuit, The Royale examines society’s relationship with our present-day cultural heroes and the responsibilities that are thrust upon them when they find themselves outside of the ropes. Loosely based on real events, The Royale brings to explosive life the ultimate fight for a place in history. 

History
The Royale premiered at Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, CA in April 2013 under the direction of Daniel Aukin.
JAY - The Negro Heavyweight Champion. Late 20s/early 30s.
WYNTON - His trainer. 50s.
NINA - His fierce big sister. 30s.
FISH - An amateur boxer. 18.
MAX - A fight promoter and referee. White. 40s.
  • Time Period 1900-1910
  • Setting Various cities in the US. Some point between 1905 and 1910.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“A stylized, blazingly theatrical triumph that keeps audience members on the edge of their seats.” – Miami Herald

“Ramirez avoids cliches, preferring to delve deep into his leading character's psyche and probe such complex questions as whether breaking down barriers or smashing glass ceilings can be almost an accident, and, either way, something not worth the personal cost.” – Chicago Tribune, Read More

“A well-constructed drama that captures both the beautiful frenzy of boxing and the (sadly still relevant) volatile state of race relations in America.” – The Telegraph, Read More

“Extraordinarily efficient! That this production never deploys real physical blows in recreating life in the ring is by no means to say that it doesn’t pack a punch.” – The New York Times, Read More 

“[The Royale's] lively manner of telling reanimates this breakthrough saga for a new generation.” – Los Angeles Times, Read More

“The play is a stylized, blazingly theatrical triumph that keeps audience members on the edge of their seats.” – Miami Herald, Read More

ON BREAKING CHARACTER 

Art As a Catalyst: The Royale Takes Center Stage in Pittsburgh 
by Clare Drobot 
April 28, 2017

Videos

  • The Royale - Lincoln Center Theater Montage youtube thumbnail

    The Royale - Lincoln Center Theater Montage

  • Scenes from Center Theatre Group's The Royale youtube thumbnail

    Scenes from Center Theatre Group's The Royale

  • The Center Theatre Group cast discusses The Royale youtube thumbnail

    The Center Theatre Group cast discusses The Royale

  • The Royale - Bush Theatre Trailer youtube thumbnail

    The Royale - Bush Theatre Trailer

Photos

  • The Royale

    Image: 2016 Milwaukee Repertory Theater Production (Michael Brosilow)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Marco Ramirez

Marco Ramirez has had plays produced at Lincoln Center Theater, The Kennedy Center, The Humana Festival, The Old Globe (San Diego), The Bush Theatre (London), American Theater Company (Chicago), Soulpepper (Toronto) and Center Theatre Group (LA). Honors include Helen Hayes an ...
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