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Tayo Aluko's audio play Paul Robeson’s Love Song virtually screening April 29 to May 1

  • Writer: The Left Chapter
    The Left Chapter
  • 9 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Between between April 29 and May 1, a virtual screening of the audio play with images, Paul Robeson’s Love Song by UK-based playwright, singer and activist Tayo Aluko is being held as a fundraiser for the indie progressive media outlet The Canary.


Robeson is one of the towering figures of 20th Century American musical and political history. Robeson did groundbreaking work on the stage and in film during the Jim Crow era, was an astonishing talent as a singer and spent his life in struggle against institutionalized racism and capitalism, as well as in steadfast opposition to US imperialism and fascism.


Robeson is a genuine hero who was a man of tremendous personal courage. He was also a "Renaissance Man" who was a giant in any number of artistic, sporting and intellectual disciplines and pursuits.


There have been few figures like Paul Robeson.


Robeson stood in the streets of Republican Spain as it faced the Fascist counterrevolution, he refused to bend during the dark days of McCarthyism and he never wavered in his principles from opposing the war in Vietnam to ending colonialism.




This critically acclaimed audio play is being made available for ticket buying supporters of The Canary to listen to at their leisure in the 48-hour period between 6pm BST on Wednesday 29 April and 6pm BST on Friday 1 May. There will be two chances to discuss the play with the writer, some of the creatives and with other Canary supporters and staff: 7:30pm on 1 May and 12 noon Saturday 2 May.


Synopsis:


While clearing out their late mother's belongings in August 2020, two siblings discover a package containing a record, suggesting a possible romantic link between their grandmother and Paul Robeson, dating back to 1949.


As they watch coverage of protests at the latest police shooting happening down the road from them, they recall their mother telling them of protests at a Robeson concert outside Peekskill NY on September 4, 1949.


They realise that as a child, she had witnessed the best and the worst of their country in violent conflict in the same way as was unfolding now in Kenosha, Wisconsin.


Contains some racist and anti-Semitic language.


This is an imagined story based around the Peekskill and Kenosha happenings.


Length: 55 minutes. Followed by Q&A with the author and other creatives.


The Canary is an independent media outlet. We produce well-researched, incisive journalism. Our network of specialised journalists and on-the-ground international correspondents work on stories that matter to ordinary people, amplifying marginalised communities. Supporting The Canary means we can continue to provide a viable, essential alternative to legacy media.




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