Kentucky Shakespeare to Launch New Ira Aldridge School Tour

Kentucky Shakespeare is proud to debut a new touring production ­- Ira Aldridge: Pioneer of the Stage. The one-man production follows Aldridge's journey as he breaks from the confines of racism in the 1800's to become one of the most prominent Shakespearean actors of his time. The production is currently touring Jefferson County Public Schools, however is available to any organization.

The part of Ira Aldridge is performed by Kentucky Shakespeare veteran actor Dathan Hooper.

"Ira Aldridge is an important story to tell. As the first African American to play Othello, he truly was a pioneer of the stage," explains Kyle Ware, Director of Education for Kentucky Shakespeare. "More importantly Aldridge used the stage to speak out against slavery and racial injustice throughout the world. So really he is considered the Shakespearian Jackie Robinson/Muhammad Ali of American theatre."

Kentucky Shakespeare presents the oldest free Shakespeare festival in the United States and is the largest, in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth.