Ira Aldridge - Actor
Aldridge was born in New York City, USA in 1807, he went on to storm the British stage and make it his own. Aldridge was popular at a time when Black characters were stereotyped and depicted negatively so for him to go on stages and receive rave reviews and standing ovations was truly something special. He was inspired by New York’s African Free School and the African Grove Theatre, the first known African American theatre company. However, America in the early 1800s wasn’t ready for a Black Shakespearean actor so Aldridge packed his bags and travelled to the UK, he was 17 years of age.
When Aldridge arrived in the UK in the 1820s he was drawn to British theatre which suited his style of performance.
Aldridge soon became well known not just for being a Black actor but for being a great one. He played Shylock, Macbeth and King Lear he also toured extensively across Britain, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Russia playing to packed houses. Aldridge’s interpretation of Shakespeare was so powerful that even audiences unfamiliar with the English language understood the emotion conveyed. Aldridge was celebrated across Europe, he received medals and honours from kings and cultural institutions.
Beyond acting Aldridge was a mentor and activist. He used his platform to champion abolition and challenge slavery.
Ira Aldridge died in 1867 in Poland.
In 1825 he made his professional debut at London’s Royal Coburg Theatre (now the Old Vic) becoming the first Black actor to play Othello on a major London stage. He was advertised as the ‘African Tragedian’
Painting of Aldridge as Othello
by William Mulready