Call Mr. Robeson, a passionate and powerful award-winning play about the African American civil rights activist, actor and singer Paul Robeson, is coming to Dorset ahead of its New York debut at the Carnegie Hall. Written and performed by Liverpool-based playwright and singer Tayo Aluko, with piano accompaniment by Leeds-based pianist Michael Conliffe, this play was recently chosen by The Guardian’s theatre critic Michael Billington as his top pick for things to see in London. The show is a rollercoaster journey through actor and singer Paul Robeson's remarkable life, showing how his radical activism caused his downfall.
Robeson fought for racial justice but when he became too outspoken for the establishment's liking he was branded a traitor to his country, harassed and forbidden to perform or travel.
The play features some famous songs and speeches, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River, and a spectacularly defiant testimony to the McCarthy’s Senate House Un-American Activities Committee.
Aluko who has performed this play on stages across the UK, USA, Canada and Nigeria said: “Paul Robeson was introduced to me relatively late in life, but has taken hold of me to such an extent that telling his story is now almost all I do.” “It really is wonderful to see so many people – young and old – being so thrilled and moved by Robeson’s story. “I am sure there will be many people who remember him with fondness, and others who will be profoundly changed and inspired by being introduced to him for perhaps the first time. ”
See Call Mr Robeson at Bridport Arts Centre on Thursday 1 December and at Dorchester Arts Centre on Friday 2 December.
Both performances start at 8pm and tickets are £10 plus concessions.
Box Office for Bridport 01308 424204 for Dorchester 01305 266926.
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