A Visceral Masterpiece, “The Royale” Hooks the Audience
When the play opens, the lights come up revealing two lit parallel rectangles, with two men in a rhythmic boxing choreography stomp, clap of hip hop syncopation – step drag, beat, pivot, beat, drop step, beat, jab, beat, parry, beat… Your heartbeat spikes, brain waves on overdrive, excitement pulling you to edge of your seat; this was my reaction to the first scene.
I know nothing about boxing, but under the masterful, luminary vision of director Tyrone Phillips, the play “The Royale” by Marco Ramirez, based on a black heavyweight champion in the Jim Crow era, completely hooked me. I was entranced, intrigued, agitated, and dismayed at our country’s devastating beginnings, while simultaneously the electric energy and determination of discipline/self-belief empowered the change that needed to surface in recognition of confronting our history. In spite of personal loss and trauma depicted onstage, the emotional truth and the endurance of human spirit shines through as the ultimate proof of social enlightenment, rightfully demanding systemic approval and cultural acceptance…
The entire ensemble delivers flawless performances impeccably; La’Tevin Alexander is superb as Jay, Scott Aiello amazingly portrays Max Ajax. Dontavius is dynamic as Fish, James Vincent Merdith is marvelous, bringing seasoned weight, to Wynton, and AnJi White commanding as Jay’s sister Nina.
The technical team operates at the exact high-frequency involvement as the cast, executing a cohesive vision. Kudos to movement director Rusell Holt for transforming violence to poetic rhythm; Jason Lynch’s lighting design extraordinaire carves out the striking world of the ring. Stephanie Farina blends technical precision with her artistic genius in sound design. Set designer Lauren M. Nichols achieves versatile perfection with a minimalist layout, and costume designer Gregory Graham is spot-on with evocative period pieces.
Don’t miss this brilliant gem playing at the gorgeous Writers Theatre in Glencoe. But the bell will sound for the last round November 29th, so get your ringside seats toot suite at www.writerstheatre.org.
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