London Socialist Historians Group
February 2020
Contact Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266
Historians set to look at leading C19th black actor Ira Aldridge who suffered racist abuse
Portrait of Ira Aldridge by James Northcote (Manchester City Galleries
The London Socialist Historians Group will hear from Martin Hoyles on his new book covering the life and work of black Victorian actor Ira Aldridge.
Aldridge performed many leading Shakespearean roles in theatres across Europe until his death in 1867
In London he was subject to racist abuse from some critics:
Significantly, some racist responses from London critics advising him to seek a job as “footman or street-sweeper, that level for which his colour appears to have rendered him peculiarly qualified” were not shared either by adulatory provincial British or foreign audiences, many of the latter being introduced to Shakespeare for the first time. (Morning Star)
Martin Hoyles will look not only as his acting career but also at his work as an anti-slavery campaigner and black political activist
LSHG Convenor Dr Keith Flett said, Martin Hoyles work is a very timely reminder that leading black figures in the arts and theatre are nothing new and nor disgracefully is the racist abuse they may suffer.
Details
Monday 17th February 5.30pm, Room 304 Institute of Historical Research, Malet St, London WC1.
Free, open to all without ticket
Leave a Reply