Why did the audience of Macbeth begin hurling theatre seats and food then cobble stones and bricks? What caused the militia, drafted in by New York’s mayor, to fire on the crowd? How did this riot change theatre and Shakespeare forever? 

Join David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell as the Astor Place Riots unfold, leaving many innocent New Yorkers dead. 

To find out more about Find My Past visit: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/journey-through-time

Email: [email protected] 

X: @ThroughTimePod

Blue Sky: @ThroughTimePod

Instagram: @ThroughTimePod

Assistant Producer: Alice Horrell

Producer: Callum Hill

Senior Producer: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Tony Pastor

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