The African Theatre was an African-American acting troupe in New York City established by William Henry Brown (also known as William Alexander Brown) in the 1820s. The troupe performed plays by Shakespeare and plays written by Brown, several of which were anti-colonization and anti-slavery. Its leading actor was James Hewlett. The African Theatre is, as far as records report, the first known black theatre company in North America. The vast majority of documents with information pertaining to the African Theatre have been reportedly burned and destroyed. The African Theatre developed from the African Grove Theatre, which was situated at the back of William Henry Brown's home at 38 Thomas Street, West of Broadway, and it opened for about three or four summers prior to 1821. The troupe faced violence, including attacks by thugs hired by the Park Theatre. Little is known of the participants as a result of the destruction of the records of the troupe. Early African Theater The theatre had promenades for patrons to explore, as well as separate stalls furnished with tables and chairs where guests could recline for refreshments. There was a bar or service area and possibly an al fresco platform for performers. Originally the Grove itself was more of a place to hang out outside. Unfortunately the Grove did not last long. The neighbors did not take the noise too well. They complained about having to contend with loud noisy crowds on a regular basis. William Henry Brown used the impromptu performances from patrons at the Grove as a casual form of auditions for possible recruits to the stage for his fledgling theatre company. He quickly converted the rooms upstairs into a small theatre. He selected a play and quickly recruited a cast based on those who performed at the Grove. He posted playbills all around announcing their opening performance. The African Theatre formally opened on September 17, 1821, with a performance of Shakespeare's renowned play Richard III, starring an all-black cast. The instability of the current venue prompted an eventual relocation. The neighbors reportedly complained again, which led to Brown to decide to move his theatre to a unoccupied suburban house on the corner of Mercer and Bleecker Streets. About a week later, his troupe offered an evening's entertainment consisting of a reenactment of Richard III as well as an opera, a pantomime, and a ballet. Performances continued at this site on Monday