QUIZ: Who Tells This Story?
In 1833, Ira Aldridge became the first African American actor to play Othello on a major London stage. Were British and American audiences ready for change?
When Ira Aldridge played Othello at Covent Garden in 1833, not one actor
of color had played the role at a major theater before Aldridge’s bow on the Theatre Royal’s stage. The force of more than two centuries of tradition was on his shoulders, and that tradition would prove resilient. Even after Aldridge’s first run, and his well-received 1858 turn in the role at the Lyceum, white actors continued to play most Othellos for another 150 years.
Aldridge was a pioneer who did not live to see the modern fruits of his labors in future productions of Othello. As he says in Red Velvet, now onstage at Lantern Theater Company, “I am alone…This is what I do and I always do it alone.” He is talking about acting in this moment, but his words also reflect his position in the long history of actors playing Othello. He is alone, the sole artist of color for decades on both sides of his performance.
To learn more about the casting practices that Aldridge faced down in 1833, take the quiz below. Let us know how you do, then join us at the Lantern for Red Velvet to see Aldridge’s experience onstage.
Join us for Red Velvet at Lantern Theater Company, September 7 through October 15, 2017. Visit our website for tickets and information.
