Call Mr. Robeson, an award-winning one-man play about the famous African American actor, singer and civil rights pioneer is to be performed at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green on Thursday to Saturday 29 to 31 July 2010. The play ends its current Spring/Summer tour of England and Northern Ireland with these Rich Mix dates before settling into a three-week residency at Edinburgh Fringe in August. Oliver Carruthers, Arts and Cultural Officer at Rich Mix said, “Rich Mix’s raison d’aitre is to showcase culture from and about BAME artists of the highest caliber, and from what we have heard of Call Mr. Robeson, this really is just such a piece – one which we are very proud and pleased to present to the people of London.”

Call Mr. Robeson is described as a roller coaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life, and 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 defiant testimony to the Senate House Un-American Activities Committee. It also deals with Robeson’s strong links with trade unions in America and Britain.

Aluko, who has performed the play all over the UK, the US, Canada and Nigeria, to people aged from 11 to 90 says, ‘I am very ambitious for this play, as Paul Robeson’s story needs to be told again and again. Rich Mix in London’s East End is an important stop on what I hope will be a great journey to the West End - where the play deserves to be - and beyond. I’m really looking forward to presenting it in this venue, and I really expect that the short run will be of great benefit both to Call Mr. Robeson and Rich Mix’s existing and new audiences’.

Accompanying Aluko on piano will be Leeds-based Jazz Pianist Michael Conliffe, who has also performed in another play, God Bless The Child about another Black music legend, Billie Holiday.

Reviews:
“I struggle desperately to find words that can truly express my feelings for this production and as such, I urge you, from somewhere within me that I haven't been in touch with for a long time, to go and experience it for yourself.” (5 Stars) Three Weeks Magazine
“An invigorating and rich story for novice and scholar alike. Aluko seems to almost channel Robeson's fury as he takes the stand for justice and equity. A must-see experience, a treasure of a show. TOP PICK!” DC Theater Scene
“Before Barack Obama there was Martin Luther King, and before King, there was Paul Robeson. Tayo Aluko’s portrayal of Robeson is spot on. This is ... a thrilling, moving and marvellously entertaining musical drama. Aluko's singing of Robeson songs like Ol' Man River and Steal Away is totally soulful and convincing - just like this show!" (5 stars)
Latest 7 Magazine
Listings Information:
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
Where: Rich Mix (Venue 1). 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
When: Thu 29 - Sat 31 Jul at 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 / £10 concs. Box Office: 020 7613 7498
For more information, contact
Tayo Aluko on 0151 707 8187 [email][email protected]
Oliver Carruthers at Rich Mix on 020 7613 7662 [email][email protected]

Edinburgh Fringe, Aug 6 - 30 (not 9, 11, 16 or 23) http://www.zoofestival.co.uk/

Photos available on request
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Call Mr Robeson:
Winner, Angel Award for Artistic Excellence;
Nominee, Best Show.
Tayo Aluko: Winner, Best Male Performer.
Brighton Festival Fringe, May 2008

Tayo Aluko and Friends
24-26 Mount Pleasant
Liverpool L3 5RY
United Kingdom