Play touches on racism
Call Mr. Robeson to show in Igloo Church next week
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, November 10, 2016
INUVIK
An award-winning actor is coming to Inuvik next week with a play about racism, something the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre thinks will be relevant to the North.
Tayo Aluko will be performing his one-man play Call Mr. Robeson in Inuvik on Nov. 17. The story delves into racism experienced by the famous actor, singer and civil rights campaigner Paul Robeson. - photo courtesy of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre
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Tayo Aluko plays Paul Robeson in Call Mr. Robeson, a one-actor play along with a pianist.
Robeson was a famous actor, singer and civil rights campaigner. Aluko's story covers how Robeson was branded a traitor to the United States for his outspoken nature, and he was denied opportunities to perform or travel. Eventually, Robeson was to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee to give the most difficult and important performance of his career.
Marie Coderre, executive director at the NACC, saw the play in British Columbia two years ago.
"It was so uplifting there was no way for me that I would not bring that show up north," she said.
"I found it quite relevant considering that the indigenous groups as well have to face so much injustice and they have to face racism on a daily basis. I think this performance will talk to a lot of people. This is a high-skill actor."
It's difficult to put on an emotional play like this alone on stage, she said.
"It says a lot because he has to carry the show. There is no other actor on stage to carry the presence."
The play says a lot about what's going on with racism across America, she added.
Call Mr. Robeson is an internationally acclaimed play, part theatre and part musical.
"We're extremely honoured to have them coming," said Coderre.
The play has been shown across the world, from New Zealand to Europe and the USA.
"I'm honoured this guy is so excited about coming to a place that is not a big city like New York," said Coderre. "He's really open to the cultural exchange and discovery of this territory. He looks forward to meet the people."
Call Mr. Robeson will be staged Nov. 17 at the Igloo Church at 7:30 p.m.
