Aurora Theatre Company Extends THE ROYALE Through 12/10

Critics and audiences agree: THE ROYALE delivers a knockout punch. Aurora Theatre Company announces it will add an additional 7 performances to the Bay Area premiere of the riveting ringside drama about boxing and race by award-winning TV writer and producer Marco Ramirez (Orange Is The New Black, Sons of Anarchy).

THE ROYALE now plays through December 10 (added performances Tuesday Dec. 5 at 7 pm; Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7pm; Thursday, Dec. 7 at 8pm; Friday, Dec. 8 at 8pm; Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 pm and 7 pm) at the Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley. For tickets and information the public can call 510-843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.

Critics acclaim Aurora's production. "[In The Royale,] physical and verbal jabs cut with equal flair and precision," said Lily Janiak of the San Francisco Chronicle. "What's really at stake in this finely chiseled drama...is full American citizenship."

Theatre veteran Darryl V. Jones makes his directorial debut at Aurora with THE ROYALE, which he co-choreographed with boxing coach Joe Orrach. The play features Calvin M. Thompson (The Barrow Group), Satchel André (American Stage), Tim Kniffin (Aurora's Trouble in Mind, The Arsonists), Donald E. Lacy, Jr. (Berkeley Repertory Theatre) and Atim Udoffia (San Francisco Playhouse).

Ramirez tightly constructs this visceral theatrical work that reimagines the life of the first African-American heavyweight world champion Jack Johnson, one of the first celebrity-athletes. It's 1905, and Jay "The Sport" Jackson is ready to take on both the current heavyweight champion and the entrenched discrimination of the Jim Crow era - but is America ready for him? With rhythmic and ingenious staging, Ramirez's contenders never physically engage in the ring; instead it's "The Sport's" internal struggle that delivers a sharp and surprising punch.

About THE ROYALE: "[It] isn't just a play about boxing," said Sam Hurwitt in East Bay Times (Bay Area News Group)... . "Marco Ramirez's drama is ultimately much more about the fighter's drive to single-handedly make a change in a society that very much does not want to let him, and the terrible responsibility he feels for the people hurt by the backlash that follows." Said Berkeleyside's Emily Mendel: "Darryl V. Jones ... skillfully conducts the clever and subtle staging...[of this] electrifying drama...[with an] excellent cast. "THE ROYALE feels like a resonant, percussive tone poem that beats to the rhythm of an America still finding its feet when it comes to equality and decency," said Chad Jones of Theatre Dogs. "It's an existential prizefight that, more than a century later, has yet to yield any winners."

Earlier productions in New York, London, Chicago, and Los Angeles also drew critical acclaim. The New York Times called THE ROYALE "swift stark lyricism." The Los Angeles Times said THE ROYALE'S "lively manner of telling reanimates this breakthrough saga for a new generation." Said Variety: "A gripping, vivid coup de theatre."

The Royale's creative team includes Richard Olmsted+--Set Designer; Courtney Flores--Costume Designer; Kurt Landisman+--Lighting Designer; James Ard--Sound Designer; Joe Orrach--Boxing Coach & Co-Choreographer.

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