Mr. Ira Aldridge as Aaron
Mr. Ira Aldridge as Aaron
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Record No
292087
Title
Mr. Ira Aldridge as Aaron
Description
Ira Aldridge was born in New York. His lay preacher father wanted him to study religion but he became interested in the theatre. With opportunities limited at home Aldridge travelled to London. In May 1825 he made theatrical history at just seventeen by being the first modern Black actor to play Othello in an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play at the Royalty Theatre in London's East End. Aldridge toured Britain over the next few years becoming known as 'The African Roscius' after the famous Roman actor Quintus Roscius Gallus (d.62 BCE). This was originally to mock him in a time when audiences expected Black performers to provide only burlesque or musical entertainment. However, Aldridge's dignified dramatic talent made many think again.

While performing at the Coburg Theatre, London in 1825 Aldridge met Margaret Gill from a Yorkshire family. After a courtship of only six weeks they were married on 27th of November. Margaret often toured with him and they remained together until her death in 1864.

The portrait is copied from a Daguerreotype and shows Aldridge in another of his most famous Shakespearian roles, that of Aaron in Titus Andronicus.

Aldridge became a British citizen and continued to tour both in Britain and Europe, portraying several Shakespearian roles as part of his repertoire. He often performed with local actors in other countries. He died in 1867 while on tour in Poland and is buried in the city of Łodz.
Date of execution
185-
Section
London Metropolitan Archives
Collection
LCC Theatre Portraits
Publisher
Tallis, John
Notes
P/Th2
Medium
engraving
Support
paper
Picture type
1 engraving
Catalogue No
SC_PT_03_4
Subjects
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