Nigerian-born singer Tayo Aluko was 33-year-old when he first hear of Paul Robeson. Yet he became so fascinated with the athlete, singer, activist and civil rights leader that he wanted to find a fitting tribute.
“Call Mr. Robeson,” a play written and performed by Aluko, is a rollercoaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life. It highlights how his radical activism caused him to be disowned and disremembered, even by the leaders and descendants of the civil rights movement. It features some of his famous songs and speeches, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River and a spectacularly defiant testimony in front of the Senate House Un-American Activities Committee.
Aluko will perform the play in Charlotte on March 6. The event is sponsored by the Harvey B. Gantt Center in conjunction with UNCC’s Africana Studies Department and College of Arts and Architecture along with Presbyterian Hospital.
IF YOU WANT TO GO:
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Booth Playhouse
Cost: $20 for general admission; $35 for VIP
For ticket information, visit Carolinatix.org.
