Deep Are the Roots: Trailblazers Who Changed Black British Theatre

Deep Are the Roots celebrates the pioneers of Black British theatre, from Ira Aldridge's Othello in 1825 to the success of Britains first Black-led theatre company in 1975. It also uncovers the forgotten story of Paul Molyneaux and includes chapters on playwrights, drama school students, theatre companies, and three influential dramatists of the 1970s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Deep Are the Roots is a captivating exploration of the pioneering individuals who have left an indelible mark on Black British theatre, spanning from 1825, when Ira Aldridge made history as the first Black actor to portray Shakespeare's Othello in the United Kingdom, to 1975, when Britains first Black-led theatre company achieved remarkable success. In addition to offering a critical analysis of Laurence Olivier's Othello, Bourne has uncovered the untold tale of Paul Molyneaux, a Shakespearean performer of the Victorian era. The trailblazers of the twentieth century include renowned figures such as Paul Robeson, Florence Mills, Elisabeth Welch, Edric Connor, and Pearl Connor-Mogotsi. The book delves into the groundbreaking work of playwrights at the Royal Court, the pioneering students of the first Black drama school, pioneering theatre companies, and three influential dramatists of the 1970s: Mustapha Matura, Michael Abbensetts, and Alfred Fagon. Through extensive interviews with prominent figures, Deep Are the Roots provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the trailblazers of Black theatre in Britain and their profound impact on the cultural landscape of today.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 59 x 224 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750996297