Call Mr Robeson, Tayo Aluko’s portrayal of the famous actor, singer and civil rights campaigner, returns to Croydon in south London on Friday 24 November.
The play was the final performance at Croydon’s Warehouse Theatre before it closed in 2012 when the then Conservative-controlled council withdrew funding. The new performance will be staged at Stanley Halls.
The play uses theatre and songs to dramatise Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life, highlighting how his pioneering and heroic (but largely forgotten) political activism led many to describe him as the forerunner of the civil rights movement.
When over the years he gets 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. 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.
Organised by Croydon North Labour Party, the production features much fiery oratory and some of his famous songs, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River.
The performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £22 and are available here.
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