Łódź Celebrates Ira Aldridge (1807-1867) the First Black Shakespeare Tragedian

Łódź has a special connection with Ira Aldridge (1807–1867), the first black Shakespeare tragedian. Though he never performed in our wthe rehearsals of Shakespeare’s Othello on August 7, 1867.

• This connection is not limited to the state funeral which the City organized for him.
• Over decades the city has taken care of his grave.

• In 2014 we had a plaque installed to celebrate his name.

In 2007 the International Shakespeare Studies Centre organized an international symposium devoted to the bicentennial anniversary of his birth. And in 2017 several events – a conference, exhibition and theatrical performance – took place to celebrate the anniversaries of his birth (1807) and death (1867).

• This catalogue presents selected events celebrating the 150th anniversary of Ira Aldridge’s death in our town.