Set in 1821, the play is based on the true story of the first African-American theatre company in New York City.  It dramatizes the conflict that arises when free African-American, William Henry Brown, organizes a production of Shakespeare's "Richard III" for a predominantly black audience.

 

The show challenges leading New York City producer Stephen Price, who is presenting an all-white version of the same play just a few blocks away. As Brown fights for the right to present Shakespeare, his African Grove Theatre Company-comprised exclusively of domestic workers and former slaves-fights among themselves as they question the racial implications of African-American actors performing English drama.