A history-making production of Othello in 1833 will shock London audiences and reverberate through history to influence theatre today. Red Velvet, by Lolita Chakrabarti, takes audiences backstage to witness the London debut of the trailblazing African-American actor Ira Aldridge as Shakespeare’s tragic Venetian general. He was the first man of color to play the role at an influential European theatre. Based on a true story, the play captures the emotion of the times and the drama both on stage and off surrounding this revolution in the theatre. Directed by Shirley Basfield Dunlap, the cast includes Christian Gibbs as Ira Aldridge (and Othello), Laura Rocklyn as actress Ellen Tree (and Desdemona), and Ron Heneghan as the actor Charles Kean. This award-winning 2012 play has been called “gripping, intelligent, and passionate,” (The Financial Times) and reminds us “there is nothing new about our conversations over casting and race” (The Chicago Tribune). Chesapeake Shakespeare Company presents the Maryland premiere. Red Velvet is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.

Appropriateness:

Appropriate for ages 13 and up. Language: contains some profanity, and briefly quotes 1833 London newspaper articles that contain racist slur.

Full listing of performances:

2/1 @ 8 Preview performance

2/2 @ 8 Opening Night

2/3 @ 8 pm with pre-show Baltimore STYLE Red Carpet Premiere Party, 6:30pm

2/8 2 10 am school matinee

2/9 @ 8 pm

2/10 @ 8 pm

2/11 @ 2 pm

2/15 @ 7:30 pm

2/16 @ 10 am school matinee

2/16 @ 8pm

2/17 @ 8 pm

2/18 @ 2pm

2/22 @ 7:30 pm

2/23 @ 8 pm

2/24 @ 2 pm

2/24 @ 8 pm

2/25 @ 2 pm