On 5 March 1750, the first recorded Shakespearean production in America was performed in New York City, marking a significant milestone in the cultural evolution of the colonies.
The play of choice was Richard III, albeit in a heavily altered version adapted by Colley Cibber, which had become the standard rendition of the time.
This modified script, which amplified Richard’s villainy and streamlined Shakespeare’s original text, was performed at the Nassau Street Theatre, the city’s first purpose-built playhouse.
The production heralded the burgeoning American appreciation for Shakespearean drama, setting the stage for his enduring legacy in the New World.
