The Royale

Keith Szarabajka as promoter Max, Diarra Oni Kilpatrick as Jay’s sister Nina, Robert Gossett as trainer Wynton and David St. Louis as boxer Jay. “The Royale” is directed by Daniel Aukin.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Keith Szarabajka, left, as Max, Desean Terry as Fish, David St. Louis as Jay and Diarra Oni Kilpatrick as Nina. The lighting design is by Lap Chi Chu, and the set is by Andrew Boyce. Ameenah Kaplan is credited with movement and rhythm.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Desean Terry as Fish, who becomes Jay’s sparring partner.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Keith Szarabajka, left, as Max, David St. Louis as Jay and Robert Gossett as Wynton.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Gossett as Wynton, left, and David St. Louis as Jay, who wants a shot at the heavyweight championship, which was difficult for a black boxer to get in the early 20th century.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Desean Terry, left, as Fish and David St. Louis as Jay. They become sparring partners after facing off in a bout.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

David St. Louis, left, as Jay, Desean Terry as Fish and Robert Gossett as Wynton.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Keith Szarabajka, left, as Max, David St. Louis as Jay and Desean Terry as Fish.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Nina (Diarra Oni Kilpatrick) warns Jay (David St. Louis) of the potential trouble for his family if he pursues fighting the champion, who’s white.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Diarra Oni Kilpatrick, left, as Nina and David St. Louis as Jay.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

David St. Louis as Jay.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)