As a ten-year-old working-class black boy in 19th century New York, Ira Aldridge ran away to sea and was nearly sold into slavery. In 1824, at the age of seventeen, he travelled to London and within months was playing Othello. By the time of his death in 1867 he was the most famous actor in Europe. He appeared on stage in more than 250 theatres in Britain and Ireland, and at more than 225 venues on the Continent. This book presents some of the speeches from the plays which he performed, along with extensive commentaries. It also includes an introduction dealing with race and gender casting, acting style, audience and politics, and Aldridge's legacy. It is essential reading for drama students and actors.