How one actor trained to play heavyweight Jack Johnson

Summary

<p>Centerstage, on a wooden rectangular set, La'Tevin Alexander stands alone. He’s bathed in a yellowish glow, boxing-gloved fists extended towards the heavens in victory.</p><p>Alexander is currently portraying Jay “The Sport” Jackson in Writers Theatre’s production of <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/theater/2026/11/02/review-writers-theatre-the-royale" >“The Royale.”</a> Jackson is a fictionalized version of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion who was a controversial figure in his day, infamously known for heavy drinking, gambling and dating white…

Description from Chicago Sun-Times.