African-Company-on-Mercer-street-near-Houston
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First African theatre company – The African Company (1821)
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In 1821, William Alexander Brown set up the first all-black theatre group which was initially named the Black Theatre Troupe. The company was the only African -American group to survive after several attempts. William was a retired steamship steward who opened the group in Manhattan, New York in an acquired house on Thomas Street. He offered acting, instrumental and vocal training which gradually attracted an audience and participation. He later moved to a bigger place in 1821 to Mercer and Bleeker Street – a two-story house – and in 1823, wrote and staged the first African-American play The Drama of King Shotaway. The group was later renamed the African Company and the theatre was burnt down later.
