Chasing Down Shakespeare

What do the words of a dead White poet mean to a group of Black actors? Everything, actually. After all, these are artists forced to spend their days disguised as maids and waiters. Hiding their gifts along with their feelings, until the sun sets and the time comes to discover themselves in Shakespeare's poetry. His writing demanding that everyone find their own way through his words, haters be damned. A backstage story like no other - funny, furious and uniquely American.

Play Summary

Forty years before the Civil War, the African Grove Theatre Troupe in New York sets about staging a production of Richard III. But when a major (and white) New York company scores a big name star to be featured in their own production of Richard, they are determined to shut down the African company's show at any cost. 

Featuring: David Daniel, Johnny Lee Davenport, Tim Gittings, Jennifer Latimore, Gavin Lawrence, Cedric Mays & Greta Oglesby

Runs June through mid-September

Pre-show performances by Limanya Drum and Dance Company on select dates.

APT's 'African Company' shows benefits of small stage By William R. Wineke, Channel 3000, July 1, 2016.

'The African Company' puts American inclusiveness to the test By Mike Fischer, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 13, 2016.

5 can't miss things in APT's 2016 season By Aaron Conklin, Madison Magazine Blog, June 3, 2016