ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR
By Lolita Chakrabarti
March 21 to April 21, 2024
Be transported to London’s Theatre Royal through the compelling and passionate story of Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet, written by Lolita Chakrabarti,playing March 21 to April 21 at the Arts Club Theatre Company’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage!
It’s 1833, and at London’s Theatre Royal, Ira Aldridge (Quincy Armorer) is making history by becoming the first Black actor to tread the boards as Shakespeare’s Othello. As the public and parliament debate the abolition of slavery, how will audiences react to the revolution already taking place on the stage? Step into the tempestuous Covent Garden rehearsal hall in this thought-provoking and captivating play within a play about the little-known but true story of the groundbreaking performer.
Director Omari Newton said, “The story of Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet is one filled with inspiration for his work as a trailblazer who set the standard for Black actors. Through our telling of the story of Ira, we are aiming to present an original interpretation that is driven by taking risks, much like Ira did when he first stepped into the role of Othello. Aldridge’s portrayal of Othello was a revelation, a testament to his artistic prowess and a bold challenge to the prevailing racial prejudices of the time. His work wasn’t just as an exceptional actor, he was a catalyst for change, and I am eager to share his journey with audiences in this captivating and passionate production. I’ve gathered an incredible cast led by Quincy Armorer as Ira with Lindsey Angell, Sebastien Archibald, Tess Degenstein, Anthony F. Ingram, Nathan Kay, John Emmet Tracy, and Kyla Ward joining him on the stage.”
In an era where discussions around inclusion continue to gain prominence, Ira Aldridge’s story resonates more than ever. His unwavering commitment to breaking racial barriers serves as a reminder of the transformative power of representation in the arts. The play becomes a mirror reflecting the ongoing conversations around diversity. Aldridge’s legacy encourages us to strive for a world where talent is celebrated irrespective of race, and the stage becomes a true reflection of the diversity that defines human experience.
The Arts Club’s Artistic Director, Ashlie Corcoran, added, “This piece tackles many themes which are relevant today: tradition versus the avant-garde, gender and racial equality, artistic expression, and individuality. In embracing the complexities of Ira Aldridge’s journey, Red Velvet urges us as creators to confront our own preconceptions and contribute to a future where the stage truly reflects the diversity that defines the artistic landscape. We are thrilled to work with this incredible cast and creative team to share this compelling, passionate, and thought-provoking piece.”
Red Velvet is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
CAST
Lindsey Angell (Ellen Tree), Sebastien Archibald (Charles Kean), Quincy Armorer (Ira Aldridge), Tess Degenstein (Halina Wozniak/Betty Lovell/Margaret Aldridge), Anthony F. Ingram (Terrence/Bernard Warde), Nathan Kay (Casimir/Henry Forester), John Emmet Tracy (Pierre Laporte), Kyla Ward (Connie)
CREATIVE TEAM
Omari Newton (Director), Amir Ofek (Set Designer), CS Fergusson-Vaux (Costume Designer), Jonathan Kim (Lighting Designer), Owen Belton (Sound Designer), Jonathan Hawley Purvis (Fight Director), Sam Jeffery (Intimacy Director), Lisa Goebel (Movement Consultant), Adam Henderson (Dialect Coach), Pamela Jakobs (Stage Manager), Jenny Kim (Assistant Stage Manager)
SHOWTIMES + SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Evenings: Tue–Thu, 7:30 PM; Fri & Sat, 8 PM
Matinees: Wed, 1:30 PM; Sat & Sun, 2 PM
Talkback Tuesday: Tue, April 9, 7:30 PM
VocalEye Performances: Sun April 14, 2 PM; Fri, April 19, 8 PM
ABOUT THE ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY
The Arts Club Theatre Company is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We invite you to reflect on your relationship to these lands.
The Arts Club is one of the largest not-for-profit theatre organizations in the country and is the principal gathering place for the theatrical arts in British Columbia. Comprising three unique venues across Vancouver, the Arts Club welcomes more than a quarter million guests annually, tours provincially and nationally, and engages students and artists alike through educational and professional programs.
Above all, the Arts Club is dedicated to the advancement of local artists telling stories from around the globe and, in particular, those of our region. From this, we believe that culture expands, an understanding of differences is nurtured, and art bursts forth. The Arts Club was founded in 1964 and is currently led by Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran and Executive Director Peter Cathie White.
A not-for-profit registered charity · No. 11921 3551 RR0001
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Media release and image provided by Cynnamon Schreinert, Hartley PR
