The African Company Presents: Richard III at the Shakespeare Tavern

Based on a true story. Set in 1821, two New York theatres (one Black, one White) are scheduled to perform Richard III at the same time. One owner will stop at nothing to shut down his competition.

The Shakespeare Tavern has open seating based on the section, so everyone can purchase their own ticket based on where they want to sit. I (Sarah) will be volunteering that night, and I will meet everyone at 7 PM in the Porpentine (sitting area next to the gift shop). If you want to volunteer as well, please DM me and I will let you know when the sign-up opens.

From the Shakespeare Tavern website: Forty years before the abolition of slavery, William Henry Brown, a free Black American, organizes a production of Shakespeare’s Richard III under his company, African Grove Theatre. At the same time, the leading producer of New York City, Stephen Price, has secured the famous English actor Junius Brutus Booth to play Richard III at his Park Theatre. Threatened by the potential success of Brown’s Richard III, Price is intent on shutting them down. While Brown fights to get his production to opening night, he must also contend with his company of African American actors who aren’t sure of their place in English drama, or if they’re even prepared for the consequences of presenting Shakespeare in their own way.