Synopsis
Paul Robeson is a great and famous actor, singer and civil rights campaigner.
When over the years he gets progressively too radical and outspoken for the establishment's liking, he is branded a traitor to his country, harassed, and denied opportunities to perform or travel.
Just as physical, emotional and mental stress threaten to push him over the fine line between genius and madness, he is summoned to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee, to give the most difficult and important performance of his career.
The play is a roller coaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life, and highlights how his radical activism caused him to be disowned and disremembered, even by the leaders and descendants of the civil rights movement. It features some of his famous songs and speeches, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River.
Written and Performed by Tayo Aluko
Directed by Olusola Oyeleye
Designed by Phil Newman
"Before Barack Obama there was Martin Luther King, and before King there was Paul Robeson. The forerunner of, let's hope, the next American president was at the same time one of the most famous singers in the world and the champion of the civil rights movement. Tayo Aluko's portrayal of Robeson is spot on. In about an hour you learn everything about Robeson, but this is no dry history lesson, rather a thrilling, moving and marvellously entertaining musical drama. Aluko's singing of Robeson songs like Ol' Man River and Steal Away is totally soulful and convincing – just like this show!"
Bill Smith, Latest 7 Magazine (Brighton, UK) Issue 275, 3 – 9 June 2008
WINNER: Argus Angel Award for Artistic Excellence
WINNER: Best Male Performer
NOMINEE: Best Show
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL FRINGE, MAY 2008
Call Mr Robeson: Winner, Angel Award for Artistic Excellence.
Nominee, Best Show.
Tayo Aluko: Winner, Best Male Performer.
Brighton Festival Fringe, May 2008.