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Innovative works of live performance for multicultural audiences.
Shaping Ideas into theatrical events.
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Innovative works of live performance for multicultural audiences. Shaping Ideas into theatrical events.
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Chicago Sun-TimesSeptember 15, 2006
Wilson’s vision leads to the opening of “African Company”
By Mary Houlihan
Carlyle Brown’s “The African Company Present Richard III” has been on Congo Square Theatre’s wish list since year one. But the drama, based on a pivotal event in the history of American Theater, didn’t get the green light until recently.
The late playwright August Wilson, who was a pivotal mentor as Congo Square developed into an accomplished Chicago theater, had long championed Brown’s play, encouraging the company to stage a production of the little-know work. His wish came true when the company chose the play to kick off its 2006-07 season dedicated to Wilson.
“I can see no better way to honor August’s memory than by fulfilling his wish and opening this season dedicated to him with this important work,” said artistic director Derrick Sanders.
For a compelling topic, Brown turned to the true story of America’s first black acting troupe. He explores with fictional license several characters who were historical figures: William Henry Brown, who founded the African Company in 1821; actor James Hewlett, who played many Shakespearian roles, and Stephen Price, who headed a rival white company at the Park Theatre in what is now Greenwich Village.
The African Company was founded by free blacks more than 40 years before the end of slavery. For six years the ensemble produced serious and critically acclaimed work for black audiences. The high quality of the work was the company’s demise as white companies became threatened. It closed its doors in 1827.
Price had a habit of closing down the competition by paying them off. In the play, The African Company refused and instead boldly dares to mount a production of “Richard III” next door to Price’s own production of the same play. Needless to say, they are shute down and the entire troupe sent to jail until they promise never to do Shakespeare again.
Congo Square director Aaron Todd Douglas says Brown’s play is his favorite type of theater.
“It’s character-driven with wonderful dialogue and the story is based on a very interesting piece of African-American history,” said Douglas. |
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