Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day performing the great works of William Shakespeare. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors throughout Europe.