David Shakes 鈥�85 has performed alongside notable actors including Samuel L. Jackson, Ossie Davis, and Josh Brolin, but his signature role has been Frederick Douglass, the 19th-century Civil Rights leader. Working as a historical interpreter, Shakes embodies Douglass on stage 鈥� most recently at the Genesee Valley Country Museum in Mumford, NY, on June 18鈥�19 and July 4, commemorating Juneteenth.
Shakes particularly admires Douglass鈥檚 1852 speech 鈥淲hat to the Slave is the Fourth of July?鈥�, delivered in Rochester. 鈥淭his Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn,鈥� he quotes. Shakes says he 鈥渇ell in love with that鈥� speech, admiring Douglass鈥檚 鈥渃hutzpah to speak truth to power.鈥�
From Brooklyn to the Black Arts Movement
Growing up in Brooklyn, Shakes developed theatrical interests early, performing for his younger brother and studying actors like Robert Earl Jones, Anthony Quinn, Kirk Douglas, and Paul Newman. As a young adult, he joined New York鈥檚 Black Arts Movement and co-founded the Spirit House Movers and Players in Harlem.
Shakes relocated to Rochester in 1976, working as a counselor at the Lewis Center while doing community theater. His wife encouraged him to pursue higher education; he earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in cultural studies from 91黑料网 in 1985, followed by an MSW from Syracuse University. After serving as a social worker for Rochester City Schools, he retired in 2011.
For over 48 years, Shakes has devoted himself to Rochester theater as actor, director, and producer. He currently serves as artistic director of the North Star Players 鈥� celebrating its tenth anniversary this year 鈥� and artist-in-residence at the Multi-use Cultural Community Center. He holds voting membership in the Screen Actors Guild.
Becoming Douglass
Shakes performed his first Douglass interpretation in 1982. His mother, recognizing this passion, gifted him authentic mid-19th-century tuxedo trousers 鈥� garments he still wears today. Museums, libraries, and festivals soon invited him to perform, and he has since coached students competing in national Frederick Douglass oratorical contests, with two of his students taking first place.
Shakes continually studies Douglass鈥檚 own writings to discover fresh material and embody the famous orator more fully. 鈥淥ne of the things I marvel at is how relevant the words of Douglass from the 19th century still are now,鈥� he says. 鈥淵ou could be reading it as if it was someone making commentary today. The truth rings out.鈥�
