Ira’s Shakespeare Dream by Glenda Armand and illustrated by Floyd Cooper was the right book at the right time. Had I read it any other time than recently in APril 2024, I don’t think it would have hit me the same. I had just read a book that had put all the well-known people in the theme, and I needed something that would give me the unknown. Read via an online reader copy and currently available, Armand takes a probably mostly unknown actor of color and shows how he made people realize anyone can be Shakespeare. Or more actually, a Shakespearean actor.
Ira Aldridge was a free black child while slavery was still going strong. Eventually, seeing first hand how easy it could be for anyone to be sold, even a free man like himself, Ira realized his dreams of being an actor wouldn’t be easy. But that had never stopped him before. Defying his father, running away, and facing prejudices, he found his way to England where they were more accepting of people like him. Still, it wasn’t easy.
This man was able to play The Moor, Othello as the first actor not in blackface, but his accomplishments didn’t end there. However, he seems to have been mostly lost to history. The art of Cooper brings him back to life with earthy toned colors, dreamy and minimalistic, but busy, illustrations and combines a realistic look with a more fantastical presentation. The illustrations work to complement the text and make a strong story.
Reminiscent of the dancer, William Henry Lane, this picture book works well for most readers, but is aimed at an older audience.