Back to All Events

Program 17: 'Call Mr. Robeson' - Special Live Theater Event

  • Castillo Theatre 543 West 42nd Street New York, NY, 10036 United States (map)

A Salute to an American Icon! 

The Workers Unite Film Festival, in association with the Castillo Theatre, is proud to present "Call Mr. Robeson", a one-man play and musical retrospective based on the life of actor, singer, and progressive activist, Paul Robeson.

TICKETS available at the Castillo Theatre website.

Photo: Stuart Hollis

Paul Robeson is a great and 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.

Photo: Carol Rosegg

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.

Written, performed, and produced by Tayo Aluko.  Directed by Olusola Oyeleye

The Guardian - Call Mr Robeson Review