Jack Johnson, the world’s first black heavy weight champion, is theatrically portrayed from a unique perspective in “The Mind of a Prize Fighter - The Life of Jack Johnson.”

This play, unlike other sagas about the life of the famous Galveston Island born boxer, is written from the perspective of a BOI and performed by Galveston residents on Galveston Island, Texas.

“The Mind of a Prize Fighter” was written by local playwright and actor Matthew Stanford and will be performed by Aesop’s Fables Theatre Troupe.  It’s a company formed several years ago which is dedicated to introducing aspiring actors to the craft and presenting original plays with an Island flavor. This production is part of an ongoing arts project at St. Vincent’s House and is co-sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Melvin Williams, Director, UTMB–Galveston. 

“This is a “Home Boy’s” story of a life and times of Jack Johnson;” states Stanford. “It is a look at what may have developed the champion’s mindset at an early age when Jack was roaming the docks of the Galveston Wharves.”

“Later after winning the Championship we probe the possible torments of a man who forged new paths in a world where it was more than frowned upon to assert his manhood;” stated the playwright. 

The Mind of a Prize Fighter  - The Life of Jack Johnson will be performed at William Levin Hall, UTMB – 1006 and Market Street (10th& Market), on Friday, February 25 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 26 – 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 27 – 2:30 p.m.