Civil rights activist Paul Robeson’s journey brought to life at Runcorn’s Brindley theatre

Mar 10 2011 by Daniel Mckenzie, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A PLAY about one of the 20th century’s most influential civil rights figures comes to the Brindley next month.

Call Mr Robeson is a rollercoaster journey through actor, singer and campaigner Paul Robeson’s life.

The performance highlights how his radical activism caused him to be disowned and disremembered, even by the leaders and descendants of the civil rights movement.

Over the years he became progressively too radical and outspoken for the establishment’s liking and was branded a traitor to his country.

Just as physical, emotional and mental stress threatened to push him over the line between genius and madness, he was summoned before the Un-American Activities Committee to give the most important performance of his career.

The show features some of his famous songs and speeches, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River.

The show starts at 7.30pm on Friday, April 1.

Tickets are on sale now priced £8 and available from The Brindley box office on 0151 907 8360 or online at www.thebrindley.org.uk.