Ira Aldridge blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Ira Aldridge (1807-1867) African American actor was Manager here of The Coventry Theatre in 1828 during the struggle to abolish slavery Recorded plaque organisation: Belgrade Theatre, University of Warwick.

Ira Aldridge was an African American actor who became the first black Shakespearean stage actor in Britain, performing at a time when racial prejudices were rampant; his career at The Coventry Theatre in 1828 contributed significantly to breaking down barriers for actors of color and supported the abolitionist movement.