Ira Aldridge (1807-1867) was the first renowned African-American actor. Aldridge began his career in New York, where he encountered a lot of racism. He later moved to England where he made his European debut. He had the lead role of Oroonoko in "The Revolt of Surinam" or "The Slave's Revenge." In addition to playing Black roles, he also portrayed many white roles using white makeup. In 1825, he first played the role of Othello in the Shakespeare play. He was the first Black actor ever to portray this role.

Aldridge arrived in the Netherlands in 1855 and performed in Othello. He appeared at De Kleine Komedie theater in Amsterdam. Through his performances, Aldridge challenged the prevailing stereotypes about Black people during the times of slavery and colonial world exhibitions. He accomplished this not only through his acting but also through speeches he delivered at the end of his performances, dedicated to the abolition of slavery.