The Royale Play Honors Jack Johnson at Writers Theatre

The play “The Royale” is running at Writers Theatre in Glencoe through Nov. 29, bringing the life of the first Black heavyweight boxing champion to the North Shore stage, abc7chicago.com reported.

Inspired by Jack Johnson, the production follows a character named “Jay” to allow writer Marco Ramirez to interpret the historical figure’s life for the theater. Director Tyrone Phillips described the project as a boxing ballet where no punches are landed in the script.

“I learned he was fighting not only in the ring but political stories, as well, and traumas, as well. He was fighting society overall,” Phillips said, according to abc7chicago.com. “He was saying, ‘we are all equal.’ He grew up with white people; so he didn’t see a color line. He didn’t see a barrier; he saw humanity.”

La’Tevin Alexander stars as Jay, joined by a cast featuring James Vincent Meredith, Ajax Dontavius, and Scott Aiello. Phillips noted that Johnson intentionally made Chicago his home, operating a restaurant on the South Side and buying a home for his mother in the city.

“Jack Johnson participated in his first Royale in Chicago. He came here intentionally; he loved Chicago,” Phillips said, as reported by abc7chicago.com. The director, a Hyde Park resident who founded Definition Theatre, added that the city served as a safe haven for the historic fighter.

Phillips reflected on his own roots during the production’s run, noting that his career in the arts began nearby at Niles North High School. He previously partnered with director Phylicia Rashad at Steppenwolf on the Tony-winning production “Purpose.”

The production examines a fighter who was viewed as a towering hero in the Jim Crow era by some and a dangerous threat by others. Phillips emphasized that Johnson’s legacy remains relevant in modern times.

“I think the legacy is that when you’re the best, it does come at a cost. He was a very bold person. He pushed and changed people’s perspective; I think it will change you and make you care about your neighbor and someone who doesn’t look like you,” Phillips said, according to abc7chicago.com.