Award-Winning Paul Robeson play comes to Bridport and Dorchester Arts Centres ahead of Carnegie Hall (New York) performance
Call Mr. Robeson, an award-winning play about the African American singer, actor and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson, is to be performed at Bridport and Dorchester Arts Centres on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 December, ahead of a special one-off performance at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York in February 2012.
This rollercoaster journey through actor/singer Paul Robeson’s remarkable life highlights how his radical activism caused his downfall. When Robeson 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.
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.
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. ”
“Aluko does a fine job…First-rate… an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer.” **** Michael Billington, The Guardian
“A stunning piece of musical theatre… high quality drama, first class singing… outstanding show!” (5 Stars Fringe Review, Edinburgh Fringe 2010)
Double Winner (Playwright & Performer), Ogeyinka Merit Awards for Excellence, London, October 2010
Winner, Angel Award for Artistic Excellence; Winner, Best Male Performer. Brighton Fringe, May 2008
Listings Information:
Theatre: Call Mr. Robeson. A life, with songs. Written and Performed by Tayo Aluko, with Michael Conliffe, Piano. Directed by Olusola Oyeleye, Designed by Phil Newman.
- Thursday 1 December, 8pm Bridport Arts Centre
- Friday 2 December 2001, 8 pm. Dorchester Arts Centre
Tickets: Full Price: £10/£9; Concessions: £8; Bridport Box Office: 01308 424 204 Dorchester Arts Centre Box Office: 01305 266926
