April 18 - May 6, 2018
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director), Pemberley Productions and Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre are proud to present Sancho: An Act of Remembrance. This timely theater production celebrates the extraordinary life of Charles Ignatius Sancho, an African man who was born on a slave ship and rose to prominence as a noted abolitionist, composer, social satirist and man of refinement in 18th century English society. Sancho makes his mark in history by becoming the first British-African to cast a vote in England in 1774.
In this one man show, written, conceived and helmed by one of the United Kingdom’s most lauded stage and film actors Paterson Joseph, Sancho’s remarkable life is unveiled while casting new light on the often misunderstood narratives of the British-African experience, which are parallel to the stories of many African-Americans today. The play unfolds as Sancho prepares to be immortalized by Thomas Gainsborough, the famous 18th century English painter (whom painted Sancho in real life and was an acquaintance). The audience is granted a firsthand account into Sancho’s determined rise from poverty and servitude via the road of education, making for a truly remarkable life story. The themes of prejudice, xenophobia, and nationalism are topics that resonate today in modern American society and are explored via an elegant, witty, and often comedic delivery.