Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage whilst playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. But, as the public riot in the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre?
Written by Lolita Chakrabarti, and directed by the Tricycle’s Artistic Director, Indhu Rubasingham, Red Velvet is based on the true story of Ira Aldridge.