London’s Theatre Royal, 1833. Theatre history is made when Ira Aldridge becomes the first Black actor to take the stage as Shakespeare’s Othello. As a bill promoting the abolition of slavery sends shockwaves through Parliament, how will London react to Aldridge’s groundbreaking performance? Director Jade King Carroll makes her STC debut with Olivier Award winner Lolita Chakrabarti’s “gripping, intelligent, and passionate” (The Financial Times) Red Velvet, celebrating a pioneering actor who triumphed in his art despite a tempest of social injustice.
All titles, artists, and dates subject to change.
Reviews
“Amari Cheatom ASTOUNDS as Ira Aldridge…in director Jade King Carroll’s EXQUISITE production.” –The Washington Post
“A TRULY BRILLIANT production…Red Velvet is stunning in every sense of the word.” –BroadwayWorld
“BREATHTAKING…A spectacular creative team and an extraordinary group of actors brings us a production worthy of Aldridge’s remarkable achievement.” –DC Theater Arts
“SPLENDID…A powerful cast packs the performance with nuance and emotion.” –MD Theatre Guide
“HAUNTINGLY TIMELY and ASTONISHINGLY SHARP…Director Jade King Carroll transitions this production between comedy and drama seamlessly.” –Theatrely
“ELEGANT…Jaye Ayres-Brown excels at depicting Charles Kean…Emily DeForest is radiant as Ellen Tree.” –Talkin’ Broadway
“COMPELLING…With Jade King Carroll’s masterful direction, [Amari] Cheatom’s commanding performance as Aldridge showcases the complex character.” –District Fray
“EXCELLENT…The play’s world is lushly rendered by scenic designer You-Shin Chen…Yuki Nakase Link’s lighting design mixes tones beautifully…Rodrigo Muñoz’s costumes bring all three worlds of the play to life.” –Two Hours’ Traffic
“WONDERFUL…Playwright Lolita Chakrabarti weaves a fantastic story.” –Urban Milan
Health and Safety
For the run of Red Velvet, STC will require that all patrons provide proof of vaccination to attend any performances or events. In addition to audiences, STC has mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for all performers and theatre staff. Please visit our Health and Safety page for full guidelines about providing proof of vaccination at the theatre.
Only performers and people invited onstage for talkbacks will be unmasked. We ask that attendees remain masked while within our venues, including during performances, unless they are eating and drinking in designated lobby areas. STC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our spaces, and we are monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and will make adjustments as needed. Thank you for your understanding.
Press & More:
Michael Glenn on Great Day Washington
Jaye Ayres-Brown interview with The Washington Blade
RED VELVET production photos
Washington Post: Spotlighting a pioneering Black actor
Amari Cheatom on WTOP News
Meet RED VELVET director Jade King Carroll
Explore ASIDES
Interview with the cast of RED VELVET and Academy of Classical Acting Alumni
Playwright Lolita Chakrabarti discusses Ira Aldridge
View More
Details
Red Velvet
Jun 18, 2022 - Jul 16, 2022
Production Sponsors:
Jean and David Grier
M Powered Strategies, Inc
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
2021/22 Season Sponsors:
Michael R. Klein and Joan Fabry
Harman Family Foundation
Restaurant Partner:
Jean and David Grier
M Powered Strategies, Inc
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
2021/22 Season Sponsors:
Michael R. Klein and Joan Fabry
Harman Family Foundation
Restaurant Partner:
