"They say Im meddling in the foreign affairs of the United States Government. Now, thats too bad, cause Im going to have to continue to meddle... Paul Robeson is a world 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. 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."
Tayo Aluko was born in Nigeria, and now lives in Liverpool. He worked previously as an architect and property developer, with a special but frustrated interest in eco-friendly construction. He has fronted orchestras as baritone soloist in British concert halls, and has also performed lead roles in such operas and musicals as Nabucco, Kiss Me Kate and Anything Goes. Call Mr Robeson won three awards at the London Ontario Fringe in June 2012 and Best Solo Show at the Stratford UK Fringe in June 2013. He has performed the play around the UK, Canada, Nigeria, Jamaica and the USA (including New York's Carnegie Hall in February 2012). His other piece titled From Black Africa to the White House -- a talk about Black Political Resistance, illustrated with Spirituals, has also been performed on three continents. He researched, wrote and narrated to camera a piece on West African History before the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, which forms part of the permanent exhibit at Liverpool's International Slavery Museum. His 15-minute play, Half Moon, which also deals with ancient Africa, has been performed by young people several times in the UK. Tayo initiated The Paul Robeson Art Is A Weapon Festival which was first staged at the Tristan Bates Theatre in London's Covent Garden in October 2013.
"First-rate... an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer" --The Guardian
