The Padlock

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Synopsis:

This popular comic opera was first performed in 1768 and tells the story of a rich old miser who imprisons his young wife. The play has metaphorical connections to the slavery debate through the reference to the padlock, which was associated with slavery, and through Mungo, the stereotypical comic black servant, who is the dynamo of the piece. Originally played by a white actor in blackface imitating a Caribbean voice, in this performance the role was played by Ira Aldridge, who apparently played against the stereotype.

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Author: Isaac Bickerstaff

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Director:

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