"Two Shakespearean actors" by Richard Nelson [Theater program]

Abstract

ABOUT THE PLAY Set in the unruly streets of Lower Manhattan, Two Shakespearean Actors occurs during the Civil War riots that resulted in the burning down of all of lower Manhattan. The early years of the Civil War was a time of political corruption and social unrest in New York. While the North is fighting in the South, the difference between the narrow-minded affluence of uptown life and the lawless impoverishment of those living downtown becomes increasingly unendurable. Irish immigrants and emancipated slaves add to the swelling numbers of the poor. The political climate is responsible for the discrimination and racism that caused resentment towards any non-American activities such as foreign acting troupes on tour in America. Many innocent lives were lost int these riots.