The play takes place during 1833, the year when the British Empire abolished slavery leading to protests and violence throughout London. When famous Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean collapses on stage during a production of Othello, the young, black actor, Ira Aldridge, is hired to take over, becoming the first African-American actor to play the famous role.  However, audiences, critics, and even his co-stars have to re-examine their ideas of what acting is and who should have the opportunity to perform certain roles.