From 1821 to 1823, before slavery was entirely abolished in New York in 1827, playwright William Alexander Brown and actor James Hewett, both men of color, established the first known all-Black theater company on Thompson Street in Lower Manhattan. On Saturday, February 1, in celebration of Black History Month at Harmony Hall, The Shades Repertory Theater staged a reading of Samuel Harps’ “The Death of King Shotaway - The Birth of the African Grove Theater."
The title references a historical event where the play "The Drama of King Shotaway" believed to be the first full-length play written by a Black American, was performed at the African Grove Theater in New York City. Guests at Harmony Hall enjoyed a captivating performance that engaged the audience with the remarkable story of how Brown and Hewett persevered through harassment, hostility, and violence to create what is recognized as the first prominent Black theater company in the United States. Competing against a local all-White theater, they were
the first to present Shakespeare's "Othello" with a Black actor in the title role.
The Shades Repertory actors transported the crowd back to a time when raw language flowed freely. Samuel Harps’ carefully chosen phrases, which implied the most hurtful words, stirred powerful emotions that had the crowd supporting the African Grove Theater's success. The performance left the audience proud of Brown and Hewett’s achievements and informed about their contributions to American history.
The Friends of Harmony Hall welcomed Samuel Harps and the Shades Repertory Company to rehearse at Harmony Hall for the first time this winter and look forward to a lasting partnership.
Recap - The Shades Repertory Theater's Staged Reading of "The Death of King Shotaway"
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