London Socialist Historians Group
18th February 2020
Contact Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266
New decade of socialist history meetings starts with discussion on anti-slavery & racism
The London Socialist Historians Group which organises the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, has opened a new decade of socialist history meetings with a discussion of Martin Hoyles new book on the leading Victorian black actor Ira Aldridge and his work as an anti-slavery campaigner
Aldridge performed many leading Shakespearean roles in theatres across Europe until his death in 1867 including Othello.
His portrayal of Othello at the Old Vic in 1833 fed into the Parliamentary discussion of the abolition of slavery in British colonies of the same year.
During the American Civil War in the early 1860s he sent half of his substantial earnings as an actor back to the US to fund the fight against slavery.
His daughter Amanda Aldridge (1866-1956) gave voice tuition to Paul Robeson before he first played Othello in 1933
LSHG Organiser Dr Keith Flett said, to learn of the life and politics of one of the great black Victorians, Ira Aldridge, from Martin Hoyles was inspiring. It reflects a focus on the importance of black and women’s history in the new decade. We remain though centrally focused on class. Our next seminar on March 16th is on the work of the great socialist and trade unionist Tom Mann when he was in Australia.
Leave a Reply