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In the early 1800s, the great black Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge had to travel to Europe to get work and, as recently as last year, it took an Irish film director to cast Denzel Washington in Much Ado About Nothing. Still, there has been a substantial tradition linking American actors of color and the Bard—one that will be examined in a program titled “A History of African-American Actors and Shakespeare.” Folger staffers Rebecca Jones, Kate Mazzetti, and Anne Turner have planned a one-hour presentation that includes an audience discussion. At 1 p.m. at the Folger Shakespeare Library Auditorium, 201 East Capitol St. SE. For reservations call (202) 675-0365. FREE. (Bob Mondello)