{"product_id":"red-velvet-9781350149137","title":"Red Velvet","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRed Velvet - Award-Winning Play by Lolita Chakrabarti\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Chakrabarti has crafted a rich psychological study that's also a shrewd portrait of the theatre as an institution - its vanities and strange conventions, its politics and sense of community, the opportunities it presents for both progress and blinkered traditionalism.\" \u003ci\u003eEvening Standard\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout This Play\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage while 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the true story of Ira Aldridge, an African-American actor who, in the nineteenth century, built an incredible reputation around the world. \u003ci\u003eRed Velvet\u003c\/i\u003e premiered at the Tricycle Theatre, London, in October 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Modern Classics edition features an introduction by Kenneth Branagh, providing additional context and insight into this powerful theatrical work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis play explores a pivotal moment in theatrical history, examining themes of race, identity, and artistic excellence against the backdrop of 1830s London. The story of Ira Aldridge's groundbreaking performance challenges audiences to confront the intersection of art and social justice during a transformative period in British and American history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduction History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRed Velvet\u003c\/i\u003e was the first play performed under the Tricycle's new artistic director Indhu Rubasingham in 2012. Following its successful premiere, the production returned to the Tricycle in 2014 before having its US premiere at St Ann's Warehouse New York, demonstrating its international appeal and enduring relevance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLolita Chakrabarti\u003c\/b\u003e is a British actress and writer who has worked extensively on stage and screen. Her most recent acting theatre credits include \u003ci\u003eThe Great Game\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eAfghanistan\u003c\/i\u003e for The Tricycle, \u003ci\u003eLast Seen - Joy\u003c\/i\u003e for the Almeida, \u003ci\u003eFree Outgoing\u003c\/i\u003e for the Royal Court and \u003ci\u003eJohn Gabriel Borkman\u003c\/i\u003e for the Donmar Warehouse. Her acting screen credits include \u003ci\u003eThe Casual Vacancy\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eJekyll and Hyde\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMy Mad Fat Diary\u003c\/i\u003e season 3, \u003ci\u003eVera\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eOutnumbered\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eHustle\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eExtras Christmas Special\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eHolby City\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSilent Witness\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eAmnesia\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWilliam and Mary\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eFortysomething\u003c\/i\u003e, Bodies, and \u003ci\u003eForgiven\u003c\/i\u003e. Writing credits include \u003ci\u003eThe Goddess\u003c\/i\u003e for Woman's Hour on BBC Radio 4, \u003ci\u003eFaith\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eHope\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eBlue Charity\u003c\/i\u003e, also on BBC Radio 4 and \u003ci\u003eLast Seen - Joy\u003c\/i\u003e for Slung Low and the Almeida. Lolita Chakrabarti also runs Lesata Productions with Rosa Maggiora. Their short film won Best Short Narrative at PAFF, Los Angeles 2012. They are currently in development with their first feature.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Methuen Drama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50493604397330,"sku":"9781350149137","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_c47e0a3d-87df-46b8-9245-bdd7cceeb08a.jpg?v=1730654225","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/red-velvet-9781350149137","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}