ROYAL Shakespeare Company actor Ray Fearon is to star in an event honouring the remarkable achievements of the African-American actor Ira Aldridge in a performance at the Belgrade Theatre.
Teaming up with the University of Warwick’s Multicultural Shakespeare Project and Coventry City of Culture Bid, the Belgrade will showcase Against Prejudice: Ira Aldridge in Coventry 1828.
The performance honours the remarkable achievements of the African-American actor with a drama-documentary and extracts from the shows he programmed in the city of Coventry, including Othello.
Leading professional actors will be joined by performers from Coventry’s youth theatres and community choirs.
The case includes RSC actors Ray Fearon – who will play the leading role – Rakie Ayola and Matt Costain, alongside the Belgrade’s Black Youth Theatre and community choir.
Ray is one of the UK’s leading actors and one of the best Shakespeareans of his generation who has mostly played Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Professor Anthony Howard of the University of Warwick’s Multicultural Shakespeare Project said: “It’s stunning and truly moving to see so many people from so many organisations come together in honour of a great man.
“This dream casting is a testament to the importance of Ira Aldridge’s mission, especially now.”
The event will be supported by guest of honour Earl Cameron – a caribbean film, stage and television star who lives in Kenilworth and acted on Coventry’s stages in the 1940s and 1950s.
He was taught during his early years by Ira Aldridge’s daughter.
Following the event, audience members will be invited to join the cast in a procession of lights and songs and lay flowers in tribute to this extraordinary person.
To book tickets, visit www.belgrade.co.uk or call the Belgrade’s Box Office team on 02476 553055.
