Tag Archives: African Roscius

Black History Month: telling the story of Ira Aldridge, the African Roscius

Until only a few years ago the nineteenth-century actor Ira Aldridge was a little-known curiosity in the long history of the theatre. He was the first (probably the only) “gentleman of colour” of any note to appear on the English … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Legacy, Shakespeare on Stage | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Black History Month: telling the story of Ira Aldridge, the African Roscius

Ira Aldridge, Shakespearean actor and gentleman of colour

The black actor Ira Aldridge is now recognised as one of the most remarkable interpreters of Shakespeare’s leading roles. He first appeared on the London stage as Othello in 1825, and remained associated with the role for the rest of his … Continue reading

Share
Posted in Legacy, Shakespeare on Stage, Stratford-upon-Avon | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments