Rick Creese, the Writer/Producer of Bright Swords, answered some quick questions for @SeeItOrSkipItLA!
1. Who is Ira Aldridge?
A: IRA ALDRIDGE (1807-1867) was an African-American actor from New York City. In 1825 numerous attacks on the African Theatre, where he was performing Shakespeare, drove him to try his fortunes in England. At the age of only 17, he was the first black man ever to play Othello in Great Britain. He inspired the abolitionist movement, and in 1833 slavery was ended in the British Empire. Aldridge toured widely through Great Britain and was cheered enthusiastically almost everywhere he went. Later, he moved on to the European continent, where he became a major Shakespearean star in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and elsewhere.
He branched out and played many roles, including some of Shakespeare’s best white characters—Macbeth, Lear, Shylock, and Richard III. He came to be seen as the spokesman for oppressed people all over Europe. He was a fascinating man who made his own way and shamelessly promoted himself, claiming for example that he was actually an African prince—though he had never been to Africa. He married an English women soon after his arrival in England and years later when his first wife died, he married a Swedish woman. He also fathered a number of children with various “backstage women.” He died and was buried in Poland. His granddaughter would later become Paul Robeson’s voice teacher.
2. Where did the title Bright Swords come from? What is its significance?
A: BRIGHT SWORDS comes from Othello’s first speech in the play: “Put up your bright swords for the dew will rust them.” In my play, this speech helps Aldridge get cast as Othello in England. It also is important in Shakespeare’s play. It shows that Othello is not a savage but rather a cultivated man. Aldridge’s mere appearance on stage acting Shakespeare undercut a major justification for slavery: that black men were incapable of higher mental processes.
3. What about your show makes it perfect for the Fringe?
A: My show is new and not necessarily commercial. It tells a true story about diversity and reveals a historical figure that few have heard about. It is a perfect showcase for Ryan, a wonderful actor whom I saw performing with the Independent Shakespeare Company.
4. What do you hope the audience walks away with after your show?
A: I hope the audience will take with them the pleasures of a one-man show—the wonder that one excellent actor can become several different people and take them to a time and place they have never been, and yet seem relevant and familiar.
5. What show, other than yours, are you most excited to see at the Fringe?
A: It would be unethical for me not to plug my other one-person show which will have its world premiere at this year’s Fringe: DORA AND ME/ YO SOY DORA, starring Amy Urbina.
Intrigued? You can see Bright Swords on these days:
East Theatre at the Complex, 6468 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood 90038.
Saturday, June 13: 2:00
Tuesday, June 16: 8:45
Saturday June 20: 1:30
Saturday June 27: 3:30
For ticketing click here.
*As a special thank-you to all Fringers following my coverage, please enjoy 15% off purchases at In Heels Productions throughout the month of June. Use code HFF15 at checkout!