Paul RobesonA powerful chronicle of the life of Paul Robeson, taking us from his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life around the world. An All-American athlete and a lawyer with Columbia Law School credentials, Robeson faces the racism prevalent in society in early part of the twentieth century. He strives to rise above, and it is his triumph in that struggle that turns Robeson into a modern day hero. Realizing the racist system would not allow him to practice as a lawyer, Robeson turns to singing, something he had learned well in the church choir. His singing leads to acting and his acting, with all the accolades due a master, leads him around the world. But every place he visits he sees the strains of racism in its many forms. The more he sees, the more he speaks out, using the his influence and stature to try and enlighten those around him. After some time in Europe, he returns to the United States to perform and speak out about the injustices in the country he loves. Confronting racism again, he sticks to his values, adhering to no party line, but is accused of being a Communist, an agitator and much more. He is blacklisted and his passport is revoked, but he goes on speaking out whenever he can. For eight years he fights to clear his name. Finally, the social climate begins to change and towards the end of his life, Robeson's passport is reinstated along with some of the glory and respect he earned along the way. There is still far to go, but Paul Robeson remains a beacon to those struggling to make this world a better place. This play is a powerful look at the many facets of Robeson the man, as well as Robeson the star. It is a tour-de-force for any actor. |
From inside the book
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Page 9
... hands , and placed them on her stomach , and then she got off without saying a word . ( To Mr. Pillgard . ) Mr ... hand ! ( Piano plays clock chiming eight . PAUL sits down in waiting room . ) They asked me to wait in the hall for ...
... hands , and placed them on her stomach , and then she got off without saying a word . ( To Mr. Pillgard . ) Mr ... hand ! ( Piano plays clock chiming eight . PAUL sits down in waiting room . ) They asked me to wait in the hall for ...
Page 20
... hand was on fire . Four of my fingernails were missing . My shoulder dislocated , my nose broken . It was so bad , they had to send for brother William . my ( PAUL mimicks William . ) And William says , 20 ACT ONE 20.
... hand was on fire . Four of my fingernails were missing . My shoulder dislocated , my nose broken . It was so bad , they had to send for brother William . my ( PAUL mimicks William . ) And William says , 20 ACT ONE 20.
Page 55
... hand on my wife , I swear I'll kill one of you . Even if you put a bullet in my brain I'll live long enough to get my hands on at least one of you . Preferably you , Herr Krugger . . . and I swear I will kill you . ( Turns to Essie ...
... hand on my wife , I swear I'll kill one of you . Even if you put a bullet in my brain I'll live long enough to get my hands on at least one of you . Preferably you , Herr Krugger . . . and I swear I will kill you . ( Turns to Essie ...
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Common terms and phrases
ACCOMPANIST addresses African American answer asked audience better British brother called cause Center chair CHAIRMAN changed church City Coach colored comes concert Cross Dean didn't don't Dora Eslanda Essie eyes face father feel football friends gentlemen give Gone guess hall Hamilton hand Harlem hear heart hope House Jacob's Ladder killed knew Lady Barclay Larry light look loved Maria moved Music Negro never night party Paul Robeson Pause piano play President question Reeves refused returning River Russia Rutgers Sanford shine sing sits song speak Stage stand stopped takin talking tell thank That's There's thing thought took train trolley turn Union voice walked whole York young