Lasana Kazembe: Paul Robeson – Man of the People at The Cabaret Indianapolis

Paul Robeson: Man of the People is a new creative production that chronicles the life and legacy of one of the twentieth century’s most important and iconic figures, premiering right here at The Cabaret. Created by Lasana Kazembe and renowned musician Ernest Dawkins, the production features an ensemble cast of jazz & classical musicians, vocalists, spoken word artists, visual artists, stage actors, and narrators – all working together to introduce contemporary audiences to the art, activism, and uncompromising truthspeak of Mr. Robeson. The evening will be a celebration of Robeson’s musicianship, stagecraft, intellectual spirit, writings, political speeches, and indefatigable global activism. Mr. Robeson’s epic life story is artistically rendered in this lush stage production that features original poetry, storysong, dramatic narration, and live visual art. Educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune referred to Mr. Robeson as “the tallest tree in our forest.” This new and original production offers a creative, nuanced, and dynamic portrait of the life and times of this fearless, unwavering defender of humanity, justice, freedom, and the arts. This extended original work is made possible through the IUPUI Presidential Arts & Humanities Fellowship program. Presented by: Lasana D. Kazembe (librettist/spoken word) and Ernest Dawkins (original score/musical director/saxophonist).

ABOUT PAUL ROBESON Paul Robeson (April 9, 1898 — Jan. 23, 1976), an All-American football player, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University, world-renowned actor and singer, and political activist, was one of the world’s most famous African Americans of the twentieth century. The son of a former slave turned preacher, Robeson graduated from Rutgers at the head of his class and then obtained a law degree at Columbia University. However, the legal profession lacked opportunities for people of color, so he made a career shift and took to the stage.

He joined the Provincetown Players, a New York theatre group that included playwright Eugene O’Neill. Robeson starred in O’Neill’s play All God’s Chillun Got Wings, claimed the title role of The Emperor Jones in New York City and London (making him a sensation in both cities and leading to his eventual starring role in the film adaptation of the play), and became world-famous after lending his superb bass-baritone singing voice to the musical Show Boat. He played Joe Show Boat and his version of “Ol’ Man River” became the benchmark for all future performers of the song. Later, his characterization of the title role in Othello in the London and Broadway productions set a record run for a Shakespearean play on Broadway.

From his father, Robeson learned that his exceptional talents carried a responsibility to represent his race. During the 1930s while Robeson was living and traveling abroad, he also realized that his responsibilities extended not only to African Americans but to all peoples subjected to social and political injustice. He went on to realize that he could not rely on the roles written by others to represent his ideas and causes, which led him to eventually abandon acting. He continued to sing, however, as he found he could control what he performed more as a singer. Increasingly, his concerts became forums for his political and social agenda.

As an artist and as a citizen, Robeson asserted that he had no choice but to champion the cause of oppressed peoples around the world. His political advocacy during the era of McCarthyism precipitated an intense governmental and public campaign against him; his passport was revoked and he lost the freedom to communicate his ideas. Robeson eventually regained his passport, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the State Department could not deny citizens the right to travel because of their political beliefs or affiliations. Through it all, Robeson never deserted his convictions, making him a worldwide symbol of resistance to oppression.