This research-based work-in-progress features poet and sound-artist Tracie Morris in an interdisciplinary performance that celebrates the life and work of pioneering African-American thespian Ira Aldridge (1807-1867).

The poetry reading will integrate archival Shakespeare recordings and live piano accompaniment by renowned poet-pianist Janice Lowe. Lowe will present a series of compositions written by Aldridge’s daughter, Amanda Aldridge (a.k.a. Montague Ring), who mentored such legends as Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson. Morris’ presentation is the culmination of her WPR Creative Fellowship 2018-2019, during which she has conducted research that draws upon the Bernth and Judith Lindfors collection at Houghton Library.
Co-sponsored by Harvard Common Spaces, the Harvard Theatre Collection, the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, and the Woodberry Poetry Room.