Red Velvet Program Prologue

Performers are some of the most rejected people on the planet. Audition after audition, they twist and smile and morph themselves into many shapes and personalities, all in the hope of getting one “yes” out of the sea of “no’s.” Taking on the mantle of “actor” is a lesson in humility and self-confidence. It takes a certain kind of spirit to be continually burned to ash and yet continue to rise triumphant. 

Ira Aldridge was one of those spirits and the history behind the words of this play serves as undeniable proof. His fire sometimes burned, hot and tumultuous. Sometimes it simmered, mysterious and direct. But even the brightest fires can falter, sparking and sputtering to catch hold of whatever kindling they can. Ira Aldridge was a phoenix. As one of the first Black actors to cross into the world of classical performance, he didn’t just pave the way for future theatre artists of color; he was a beacon of light ushering them down the trails he painstakingly carved. 

We hope that you feel that phoenix spirit as you watch this production. Rather than fearing the fire of difference, we hope you take comfort in the warmth of empathy and carry a small bit of that fire with you until we see you again soon.