Review: 'Red Velvet' a Spellbinding Look at Racism's Past – and Present

Burbage Theatre Company is closing out their season with "Red Velvet," a spellbinding look at intolerance in the world of theater.

In the 1800s, actor Ira Aldridge dominated stages all over Europe as he won acclaim for portraying Shakespearean characters. What's notable is Aldridge was not only American, but Black as well.

Aldridge faced discrimination in America and went to England to pursue his career. He made his debut at the Royal Coburg Theatre in London. Following the collapse of actor Edmund Keane, Aldridge was hired to play the role of Othello.

JaQuan Malik Jones plays Aldridge, who initially faces resistance from Keane's son, Charles (well-played by newcomer Liam Roberts), a pompous and egotistical twit who wants to take control of the theater.

Andrew Stigler ("Junk") plays Bernard, an actor with very conservative political views. Bernard objects to casting a Black man in the role of Othello.

"Freedom and equality is a fad," Bernard says after defending the use of slaves as cheap labor.

His arguments very closely mirror the rhetoric of Republican politicians, especially Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has attacked "wokeness" and eliminated funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. And though "Red Velvet" takes place in the distant past, the sentiments expressed by some of the other characters are eerily similar to what you would see on social media today.

Playwright Lolita Chakrabarti provides an incisive examination of what art should be about and how financial concerns can impact what art is presented for public consumption.

Director Jackie Davis, an actress who has appeared in several Trinity Repertory Company productions, brings out the best in her performers. Jones is a dazzling presence as Aldridge devotes himself to his craft while enduring vicious and insulting comments from cynics.

Alison Russo ("Twelfth Night") exhibits a steely aura as Ellen, Charles' fiancée and Aldridge's co-star. Ellen is playing Desdemona, and defends Aldridge when Charles demeans him in front of everyone.

Burbage mainstays Zach Gibb ("The Witch") and Gabrielle McCauley ("School for Lies") also provide solid performances.

Another great performance comes from David Sackal as Pierre, the theater manager who is thrilled to have Aldridge appearing on his stage. Pierre is a good-intentioned man, but fears the backlash that could result from having a Black actor romancing a white actress in "Othello." Pierre requests that Ira show some physical restraint, an edict Eldridge is unwilling to obey. Pierre later announces that Ira is being dismissed from the show due to objections from the theater's board of directors. For Aldridge, it's a shocking betrayal of trust he had placed in Pierre.

Sackal and Jones play off each other beautifully as the men's friendship implodes due to racist assumptions stemming from the fear of a Black man touching a white woman.

Another powerful scene features Aldridge's fellow actors reading newspaper reviews of his performance as Othello. The language used by the reviewers is unspeakably cruel and demeaning.

Ira Aldridge was a victim of bigotry and closed-mindedness, but he was not the last. Racism in all professions, including the world of entertainment, continues to endure for many reasons. Even after decades of social progress, we still have not overcome the need to degrade others who are different.

Jones and his co-stars have succeeded in shining a light on the inhumanity which can destroy lives. It's sad, because it shows no sign of stopping.

"Red Velvet" runs through June 18. Burbage Theatre Company. 59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. For tickets, call 401-484-0355 or visit burbagetheatre.org.