Call Mr. Robeson. A Life, With Songs.
Written and performed by Tayo Aluko, with live piano accompaniment
“They say I’m meddling in the foreign affairs of the United States Government. Now, that’s too bad, ‘cause I’m going to have to continue to meddle...”
Paul Robeson is a world 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.
This roller coaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life highlights how his radical activism caused him to be disowned and “disremembered”, even by leaders and descendants of the civil rights movement. It features much fiery oratory and some of his famous songs, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River.
Aluko revives one of the 20th Century’s most impressive but overlooked figures in this compelling tour-de-force performance, seen at Carnegie Hall, NY in February 2012, and London’s West End in October 2013.
“First-rate ... an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer" 4 Stars The Guardian
"A stunning piece of musical theatre.... high quality drama, first class singing" Fringe Review, Edinburgh, 2010
A must-see experience, a treasure of a show. TOP PICK!” DC Theater Scene
Also available:
From Black Africa to the White House. An “African History” Journey in Resistance Triumph and Spirituals. Talk with singing, to piano accompaniment.
This Little Light: Talk on Robeson’s darkest years in the USA, with rare recordings from the period.
Paul Robeson - The Giant, In a Nutshell. Concert/talk.
