ABSTRACT
Prefiguring a later strong commitment to supporting black and Asian theatre, the Theatre Royal Stratford East hosted not only The Road but productions by the Ira Aldridge Players, the New Negro Theatre Company, and the New Negro Theatre Workshop, each one an attempt to form a black theatre group. Intended as a permanent black theatre company, the Ira Aldridge Players, despite its aims, produced only one show, probably because its founder went to the United States and settled there. It was organized by Edric and Pearl Connor, two people who were central to the postwar history of black theatre in Britain, providing guidance and inspiration over many years. There was discussion about the NTW's being involved with the Errol Hill play Man Better Man but, in the end, this contribution to Festival was an entirely Trinidadian affair. It had helped forge a presence for black theatre and offer opportunities for black creativity that were to be developed in succeeding years.
