Our American Cousin

"Our American Cousin" is a play written by English playwright Tom Taylor, first performed in 1858. While the play itself is a comedy, it gained unfortunate notoriety as the production attended by President Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., in 1865. The play is a farcical comedy that follows the misadventures of the American cousin, Asa Trenchard, as he navigates the intricacies of English aristocratic society. Asa's American mannerisms and straightforwardness clash humorously with the British upper class, leading to comedic misunderstandings and situations. The play is known for its humor, wit, and light-hearted entertainment, and it has a lasting place in history due to the tragic events that unfolded during its performance at Ford's Theatre. Despite the association with a momentous historical event, "Our American Cousin" remains a classic comedy that provides insight into 19th-century theatrical humor.