Paul Robeson: Call Mr. Robeson: A Life with Songs
On Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, 7:30 p.m. at the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, Southern CT State University, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, The Amistad Committee Inc. presents Call Mr. Robeson: A Life, With Songs. Writer and performer Tayo Aluko direct from England is featured with live piano accompaniment, directed by Olusola Oyeleye and designed by Phil Newman.
Paul Robeson was a world famous actor, singer, and civil rights activist. Over the years he grew too radical and out-spoken for the establishment’s liking, was branded a traitor to his country, harassed, and denied opportunities to perform or travel. This roller-coaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life highlights pioneering and heroic, but largely forgotten, political activism. Many now describe him as the forerunner of the civil rights movement.
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. Fiery oratory, and some of his famous songs, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River are featured. Tickets are $30 for the general public, $15 for senior citizens and SCSU students (Limit 1 with vaild ID required). FREE for high school students (at the door only — Limit 1 with valid school ID required). For $40 admission, a post show reception is available from the Amistad Committee. For more info call (203) 387-0370.
