"Call Mr Robeson - A Life, With Songs"

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Tayo Aluko is Paul Robeson - actor, singer, political activist

“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 pioneering and heroic (but largely forgotten) political activism led many to describe him as the forerunner of the civil rights movement. It features much fiery oratory and some of his famous songs, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River.

Tayo Aluko revives one of the 20th Century’s most impressive but overlooked figures in this powerful, compelling tour-de-force performance, which was seen at New York’s Carnegie Hall in February 2012, and in 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 Fringe, 2010
“Simply told but immensely powerful” The Scotsman

Written and performed by Tayo Aluko, with live piano accompaniment. Directed by Olusola Oyeleye and designed by Phil Newman.

If you'd like to hear more about Paul Robeson, and hear his superb voice, Anna Ford nominated him for Great Lives on BBC Radio 4 which is available to listen again. (Hat tip to @DPemberley)

September 25, 2015