Ira Aldridge Establishes Himself as Leading Shakespearean Actor in Europe

Ira Aldridge, educated at the African Free School in New York, found no theatrical opportunities in racist America and sailed for England, becoming one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the 19th century. In 1833 he performed Othello at Covent Garden, London. He was decorated by the King of Prussia and Emperor of Austria and received honorary membership in the Russian Imperial Theatre. He never performed in the United States.