ABOUT:

While based on events prior to emancipation, The African Company Presents Richard III manages to evoke the dichotomy of Black Americans’ experiences throughout history: the constant battle to improve Black experience and culture while also battling for acceptance in a white-dominated power structure. A funny, bold portrayal of a group of people trying to escape in the poetry of a theatrical giant, The African Company also shows us how universal Shakespeare’s work is, and how it can inspire those who engage with it. This play is for anyone who fights for — no, demands the right to be seen; who understands that “classic” does not always mean white; who understands that smart, creative Black people will always overcome when pushed to the brink.

All performances are offered for FREE (donations accepted at intermission), or reserve a chair or blanket in advance. New for 2021 are premium boxes of 2 reserved zero-gravity chairs for $45, and basic boxes with a reserved ATC logo blanket (that you can keep after the show!) for $25. Reserve your boxes here.

CAST:

ANN JOHNSON – Taylor Nelson

PAPA SHAKESPEARE – Wilma Hatton

JAMES HEWLETT – Chase McCants

WILLIAM HENRY BROWN – Jabari Johnson

SARAH – Brooklyn Grace

STEPHEN PRICE – Travis Horseman

THE CONSTABLE-MAN – Sean Taylor