Black Theatre Network (BTN) is an organization of artists, scholars, and practitioners of African American theatre.
02/02/2025
Celebrating Black History Month: The Legacy of The African Grove theatre Company and the Birth of Black Theatre
In honor of Black History Month, we reflect on the groundbreaking contributions of The African Company, the first known Black theatre troupe in the United States. Founded by William Henry Brown (1815-1884), a retired West Indian steamship steward, this pioneering ensemble laid the foundation for African American participation in the performing arts.
In 1816, Brown acquired a house on Thomas Street in lower Manhattan, New York, where he began hosting Sunday afternoon performances in his tea garden. These gatherings, featuring a mix of instrumental and vocal entertainment, quickly drew a diverse and enthusiastic audience from across New York City’s five boroughs. Brown’s vision and dedication to the arts soon led to the creation of a cultural hub for Black performers and audiences alike.
By 1821, Brown relocated to Mercer and Bleecker Street, transforming a two-story house with a spacious tea garden into a vibrant theatre space. He converted the second floor into a 300-seat venue, renaming it The African Grove Theatre. The company made its debut on September 21, 1821, with a performance of Richard III, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in Black theatrical history. Over the next few years, the troupe staged a wide range of productions, from Shakespearean classics like Othello to popular farces and original works.
One of Brown’s most significant contributions was the creation of The Drama of King Shotaway (1823), the first known play written and produced by an African American. This historical drama, based on the Black Carib resistance against English and French settlers in St. Vincent in 1796, showcased Brown’s commitment to telling stories rooted in Black history and resilience.
The African Grove Theatre was home to some of the earliest Black theatrical talents, including James Hewlett (1778-1836), the first African American Shakespearean actor, and a young Ira Aldridge (1807-1865), who would go on to achieve international acclaim. Both actors honed their craft by observing European performers at New York’s Park Theatre, adapting and refining their skills to create a uniquely Black theatrical style.
As the company’s popularity grew, it attracted not only Black audiences but also white patrons, becoming a cultural crossroads in early 19th-century New York. However, the African Grove Theatre faced significant challenges, including racial hostility and competition from white-owned theatres. In 1823, after just three years of operation, the theatre was tragically burned down under suspicious circumstances.
Despite its short-lived existence, the legacy of The African Company endures. Following the theatre’s closure, Ira Aldridge emigrated to London, where he became one of the most celebrated actors of his time, performing across Europe for over four decades. His success stands as a testament to the talent and determination nurtured at the African Grove Theatre.
This Black History Month, we celebrate The African Company for its courage, creativity, and enduring impact on the performing arts. Their story reminds us of the resilience and brilliance of Black artists who paved the way for future generations, breaking barriers and redefining the cultural landscape.
