Howard Sackler (1929–1982)

This Pulitzer-Prize-winning play didn’t thrill me. I’m sure it’s much better on stage, but on the page it feels dated. The plot is a fictionalized retelling of the real life boxer Jack Johnson. He found success during the Jim Crow era and became the very first African American world heavyweight boxing champion.

The play focuses heavily on his white girlfriend and the controversy their relationship caused. He was actually sent to jail because of the relationship at one point.

I had a hard time getting past some of the language, for example…

“Stop beatin on de cullud.”

“You juss nacheral.”

“Git de wimmins inside.”

I think this is just one those plays that does a wonderful job representing a period in time, but after a few decades it loses its punch.… (más)