Set in 1821, the play is based on the true story of the first African-American theatre company in New York City.  It dramatizes the conflict that arises when free African-American, William Henry Brown, organizes a production of Shakespeare's "Richard III" for a predominantly black audience. The show challenges leading New York City producer Stephen Price, who is presenting an all-white version of the same play just a few blocks away. As Brown fights for the right to present Shakespeare, his African Grove Theatre Company-comprised exclusively of domestic workers and former slaves-fights among themselves as they question the racial implications of African-American actors performing English drama.

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION
 

This reading is sponsored by Council Member Bill Perkins and the New York City Council's Cultural  Immigrant Intiative. It is supported in part by Public Funds from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council,  New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, New York, City Council Member Mark Levine, The New York City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, Jimmy Van Bramer, Chair, NY State Assemblywoman Inez E. Dickens, NY State Senator Brian Benjamin, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, CB 10 Arts & Culture Committee, Community WorksNYC, and Con Edison