Congratulations, Martin, on the publication of 'Ira Aldridge'.
How can I buy a copy? Amazon says it is not available until Feb 2008. I am
sorry I cannot attend the V & A event next Sunday, but I wish you every
success with the book. It is fantastic that you found a publisher, and have
a great venue to launch it.
Do you mention Amanda Ira Aldridge in your book? I hope so. She is so
neglected. I have an entry for her in the Oxford DNB. Have you seen it? I
also located some rare recordings of some of her music, and featured it in
a talk I gave about Amanda a few years ago at the Theatre Museum. I also
located her unmarked grave and wish I had the time and energy to campaign
for funds for a headstone. The entry for her in Oxford's Companion to Black
British History is shameful. I wish they had asked me to write it.
I am currently working on a book about early Black theatre in Britain (upto
1975). I included a chapter about Ira Aldridge in my local history
book 'Speak of Me As I Am: The Black Presence in Southwark Since 1600'.
Good luck with your book!
Kind regards, Stephen Bourne
|