"DISCOVERING ROBESON"

SJSU and Tayo Aluko and Friends
Present:
DISCOVERING ROBESON
How a dead man walked into my life and changed it forever

Dear Friend,

The notice below will inform you of an amazing presentation about the life of  Paul Robeson, known as "The Great Forerunner" of the 1950s  60s civil rights movement.  It will be shown at San Jose State University February 13 (details below).

Nigerian born Tayo Aluko wrote, acts and sings this amazing piece of work. His performance is anything but an impersonation.  Tayo reaches into the heart and soul of the great Robeson and lays it bare before his audience. Young people especially will leave the theater enriched and profoundly changed in their commitment to the struggle against racism and for peace and social justice.  This performance offers an opportunity we, you, your community, workplace and student friends simply cannot afford to miss.  Tayo Aluko unlocks an often forgotten past and opens toward a future, respecting human dignity, with an emotional power rarely seen on the stage. 
   
Tony Alexander, Secretary,
Santa Clara County Chapter, A. Philip Randolph Institute
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Discovering Robeson is the story of how actor, singer and civil rights pioneer Paul Robeson was introduced to Nigerian-born Tayo Aluko some twenty years after Robeson's death. It charts Aluko's subsequent quest to bring the great man's remarkable story to new audiences in theatres across the UK, North America and Africa.

In this informative, entertaining and engaging presentation, Aluko takes the audience on a journey recounting the life of one of the 20th Century's most gifted and visionary men. He also reveals how Robeson served as a source of inspiration and strength through his own personal challenges.

Mr. Aluko is the writer, performer and producer of the award-winning play Call Mr Robeson. Discovering Robeson features some extracts from the play, as well as live renditions of many songs from Robeson's repertoire: some old favorites, and some not so well known.
Duration: 75 minutes.

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Some audience reaction:

"Thank you for taking me back to my childhood, enabling me to share it with my father in his last days."

"A most moving experience. Makes me want to learn more about this great man"

"I'm so glad Paul Robeson is being brought to life again through you … I can't wait to see the full play!"

Friday February 13, 2009, 7.00 p.m. San Jose State University
Morris Dailey Auditorium, Middle Campus Entrance on E. San Fernando & S. 6th Street
Admission $5.00 (No one turned away for lack of funds)
For information, Email: gvillagran [at] casa.sjsu.edu

Event endorsed at SJSU by: Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, African American Studies Dept.,
Radio TV & Drama Dept., and by the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council