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University of Warwick

Ira Aldridge, as Othello, in battle armor, by William Mulready

African American Ira Aldridge, a Shakespearean actor in the early 1800s, honored in England

Arts

Shakespeare buffs, actors and ordinary citizens in England turned out to honor an extraordinary American actor this week. Ira Aldridge came from New York to England in the 1820s and became one of the best Shakespearean actors of his day. He was black and had to overcome intense hostility. Nevertheless, he persisted.

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